Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel filed a complaint to the Ombudsman against six officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and several contractors over alleged ghost farm-to-market road projects in Davao Occidental, amounting to 94 million pesos.

According to the DA, the case centers on ghost farm-to-market road projects in Brgy. Caburan.

“The case centers on a “ghost” FMR project in Brgy. Caburan, Jose Abad Santos, which was allegedly paid in full at P11.94 million despite not being implemented,” DA said

“According to the complaint, the respondents falsified Statements of Work Accomplished (SWA), Certificates of Payment, and Disbursement Vouchers to make the project appear complete, thereby facilitating the release of public funds,” DA added

The same case is also found in Brgys. Culaman, Datu Danwata, Demoloc, Tical, and Manuel Peralta.

“These cases concern FMR projects in Brgys. Culaman, Datu Danwata, Demoloc, Tical, and Manuel Peralta, with contract values ranging from P10.02 million to P14.92 million,” according to DA

“The DA alleges that respondents conspired to submit falsified SWAs, Certificates of Payment, Project Status Reports, and Disbursement Vouchers to make the projects appear completed, thereby securing payments for not implemented FMR projects,” they added

DA Secretary Tiu Laurel calls on the Ombudsman to begin the investigation and hold the involved persons accountable.

With reports from Mia Alonzo