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Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar, 310-312 3rd Floor, COCOLIFE Building, Palma Gil Corner Claro M. Recto Street, Davao City (2026)

15/07/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD
Chairman, Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC)

We have taken note of the circulating statement alleging that the Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) is unlawfully exercising government authority. In the interest of truth and transparency, we respectfully issue the following clarification:

The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) is a duly registered, non-governmental and non-partisan civil society organization (CSO). We have never represented ourselves as a government agency, nor have we claimed to possess the statutory powers of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit (COA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), or any other government investigative body.

Our organization exists to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance, consistent with the constitutional principle that “public office is a public trust.” Like many civil society organizations in the Philippines, we gather information, conduct independent validation and documentation, receive complaints from concerned citizens, and submit our findings and supporting evidence to the appropriate government agencies that have the exclusive authority to investigate, prosecute, or impose sanctions.

The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) does not issue subpoenas, conduct arrests, compel witnesses, freeze assets, file criminal informations, or exercise any police or prosecutorial powers. Those functions belong solely to the appropriate government authorities under Philippine law.

Our field inspections, validation activities, and fact-finding efforts are conducted as independent citizen initiatives intended to assist—not replace—the work of constitutionally and legally mandated government institutions. Whenever we uncover evidence of possible irregularities, our practice is to formally refer the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, the Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies, or other competent authorities for appropriate action.

We likewise categorically state that no officer, member, representative, or volunteer of the Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) is authorized to solicit or demand money, favors, gifts, or any form of consideration in exchange for any investigation, endorsement, or assistance. Any person who falsely uses our organization’s name for personal gain should immediately be reported to law enforcement authorities.

We respect the right of every Filipino to express opinions and raise legitimate concerns. At the same time, we encourage responsible public discourse founded on verified facts rather than misinformation. If any individual believes that our organization has violated any law, we welcome the filing of the appropriate complaint before the proper authorities, where the matter can be evaluated fairly and impartially.

The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) remains steadfast in its commitment to lawful, ethical, and transparent public service. Our mission is not to usurp the functions of government, but to serve as a responsible partner of society by documenting facts, promoting accountability, and supporting the rule of law.

“Every peso of public funds belongs to the Filipino people. Every public official is accountable under the law. Every citizen has the right—and, indeed, the responsibility—to help protect the integrity of public service through lawful means.”

Thank you.

DR. LOUIE F. CENIZA, PhD
Chairman
Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC)

13/07/2026

PACC LAUNCHES MASSIVE VALIDATION OF ₱4.1-BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN TAWI-TAWI

TAWI-TAWI, Philippines (July 13, 2026) — Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public funds, the Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, will commence a province-wide ocular inspection, validation, and comprehensive fact-finding investigation of 208 infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) – BARMM Tawi-Tawi District Engineering Office.

The projects, with a total known project cost of ₱4,101,278,106.01, have been identified in the PACC’s preliminary inventory following reports and monitoring information concerning projects alleged to be ghost, delayed, abandoned, incomplete, substandard, or otherwise requiring validation.

The PACC clarified that these reports remain subject to independent verification and that no findings of liability have been made. The objective of the operation is to establish the actual status of every project through an impartial, evidence-based investigation.

The validation will cover infrastructure projects across the municipalities of Bongao, Panglima Sugala, Sitangkai, South Ubian, Sibutu, Simunul, Sapa-Sapa, Tandubas, Mapun, Languyan, and the Turtle Islands, making it one of the most comprehensive independent infrastructure validation efforts ever undertaken in the Province of Tawi-Tawi.

Summary of Projects Subject to Validation

- Bongao, 31 Projects, with a total cost of ₱959,195,261.95

- Panglima Sugala, 15 Projects with a total cost of ₱310,631,703.77

- Sitangkai, 23 Projects with a total cost of ₱336,855,848.63

- South Ubian, 20 Projects with a total cost of ₱299,408,747.25

- Sibutu, 27 Projects with a total cost of ₱404,463,985.96

- Simunul, 8 Projects with a total cost of ₱185,485,903.29

- Sapa-Sapa, 17 Projects with a total cost of ₱335,390,435.28

- Tandubas, 18 Projects with a total cost of ₱263,927,738.76

- Mapun, 18 Projects with a total cost of ₱420,316,996.09

- Languyan, 17 Projects with a total cost of ₱271,817,596.74

- Turtle Islands, 14 Projects with a total cost of ₱313,783,888.29

Grand Total

- 208 Infrastructure Projects

- 4,101,278,106.01 Total Known Project Cost

The PACC validation teams—composed of volunteer engineers, lawyers, certified public accountants, internal auditors, procurement specialists, and technical experts—will conduct detailed physical inspections, engineering assessments, documentary verification, financial reviews, procurement evaluations, stakeholder interviews, and legal assessments.

Chairman Ceniza’s said that the Filipino people deserve infrastructure that is actually built, completed with quality, and delivers the public service for which it was funded. Every peso appropriated by government represents the hard-earned taxes of our people and must be protected with the highest level of integrity and accountability.

“This validation is not intended to prejudge anyone. Our responsibility is to determine the facts objectively, verify the actual condition of every project, and ensure that public funds have been used in accordance with the law and sound engineering standards. Where the evidence shows full compliance, it will be recognized. Where deficiencies or violations are established, we will recommend the appropriate actions before the proper government authorities.”

“Corruption is not measured only by money lost—it is measured by roads left unfinished, bridges that cannot be crossed, schools and health facilities that fail to serve communities, and development delayed for the people of Tawi-Tawi. Every unfinished project represents an opportunity denied to our fellow Filipinos. That is why the PACC will continue to stand as an independent watchdog, ensuring that every project funded by public money truly benefits the people it was intended to serve.”

Chairman Ceniza likewise called upon local government officials, community leaders, contractors, engineers, civil society organizations, and residents to cooperate with the validation teams by providing relevant documents, information, and observations that may assist in establishing the true status of the projects.

Following the completion of the field validation, technical audit, and documentary review, the PACC will prepare a comprehensive report containing its findings and recommendations. Where supported by evidence, the report may be endorsed to the appropriate government agencies—including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit (COA), the Office of the President, and other competent authorities—for appropriate action consistent with Philippine law.

The PACC reiterates that all projects included in the inventory remain subject to physical inspection, technical audit, engineering assessment, financial audit, documentary verification, fact-finding investigation, and legal review, and that all concerned officials, contractors, and other parties are entitled to due process.

“Transparency in Governance. Accountability in Public Service. Integrity in Every Infrastructure Project.”

04/07/2026

PACC TO COMMENCE OCULAR INSPECTION AND VALIDATION OF ₱5.756-BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN SULU

Sulu, Philippines — The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), headed by Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD, will officially commence an extensive ocular inspection and validation of infrastructure projects implemented by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) – 2nd District Engineering Office in the Province of Sulu.

The validation will be conducted by the PACC Technical Validation Team in coordination with District Engineer Az-Zamier Arbison and the technical personnel of the 2nd District Engineering Office. Joining the inspection is Col. Ibnohasim Undug, PNP (Ret.), PACC Provincial Chairman for Sulu.

The validation covers infrastructure projects with a combined project cost of approximately ₱5.756 billion, consisting of roads, bridges, ports, fish ports, shoreline protection, drainage systems, water supply projects, school buildings, health centers, covered courts, solar street lighting systems, and other public infrastructure implemented in the municipalities of Lugus, Pata, Siasi, Luuk, Tapul, Pandami, Panglima Estino, Kalingalan Caluang, Omar, Old Panamao, Panamao, Banguingui, and neighboring areas.

The inspection is being undertaken following reports and complaints received by the PACC from concerned citizens alleging the existence of ghost projects, abandoned projects, delayed projects, substandard infrastructure, and projects reportedly completed on paper but allegedly not existing on the ground.

Based on the initial project review conducted by the PACC, the infrastructure projects have been classified into three categories:

* Projects reported as Not Yet Started, Unknown, or Possible Ghost Projects with a total value of ₱3.043 billion;
* Ongoing projects with reported accomplishments below 50%, totaling ₱1.028 billion; and
* Ongoing projects with reported accomplishments above 50%, totaling ₱1.685 billion.

During the initial coordination meeting, District Engineer Arbison explained that several projects experienced implementation delays due to peace and order concerns arising from armed groups and family feuds (rido), right-of-way issues, adverse weather conditions, and the logistical challenges of transporting construction materials and heavy equipment to island municipalities.

Chairman Ceniza acknowledged these explanations but emphasized that the PACC has the responsibility to independently validate every reported project.

“Our mission is to determine the truth through actual field validation. If the projects are properly implemented, this inspection will help clear the names of the Ministry of Public Works, the concerned local government units, contractors, and project engineers. However, if our validation establishes that public funds were released for projects that do not exist, were abandoned, or were misrepresented, the PACC will recommend the filing of the appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal cases before the proper government agencies,” Chairman Ceniza said.

Chairman Ceniza likewise encouraged all officials of the Ministry of Public Works, local government units, contractors, project engineers, inspectors, and stakeholders to fully cooperate with the validation team by providing access to project sites and all relevant project documents.

The PACC emphasized that the validation is conducted in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the protection of public funds. It also stressed that all findings remain subject to technical validation, engineering assessment, financial audit, and due process. No conclusion of wrongdoing will be made unless supported by sufficient evidence gathered during the inspection.

The results of the ocular inspection, together with the corresponding technical, financial, and documentary evaluation, will form part of the PACC’s official report and recommendations to the appropriate government oversight and investigative agencies for further action, if warranted.

“Our objective is simple: to protect public funds, ensure that every infrastructure project benefits the people of Sulu, and uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service,” Chairman Ceniza concluded.

12/06/2026

MENSAHE SA IKA-128 ARAW NG KALAYAAN

Mga Minamahal Kong Kababayang Pilipino,

Sa pagdiriwang natin ng ika-128 Araw ng Kalayaan ng Republika ng Pilipinas, buong puso nating ginugunita ang kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno na nagsakripisyo ng kanilang buhay upang makamit ang kalayaan ng ating bayan.

Ngunit sa makabagong panahon, may isang mahalagang tanong tayong dapat harapin bilang isang bansa:

Ano ang ating gagawin sa kalayaang kanilang ipinaglaban?

Mahigit isang siglo na ang nakalipas mula nang iwagayway ang ating bandila sa Kawit, Cavite. Ngunit hanggang ngayon, marami pa ring Pilipino ang nabubuhay sa kahirapan. Marami pa rin ang walang sapat na trabaho, maayos na edukasyon, dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan, at oportunidad upang umunlad.

Hindi ito ang Pilipinas na pinangarap ng ating mga bayani.

Hindi nila ipinaglaban ang kalayaan upang manatiling mahirap ang bansa.

Hindi nila isinakripisyo ang kanilang buhay upang manatiling atrasado ang ating ekonomiya.

Hindi nila ibinuwis ang kanilang dugo upang manatiling laganap ang korapsyon, kawalan ng disiplina, at maling pamamahala.

Mga kababayan,

Panahon na upang itaas natin ang ating mga pangarap bilang isang bansa.

Panahon na upang ihinto ang pag-iisip na sapat na ang pagiging isang developing nation.

Panahon na upang magkaroon tayo ng isang pambansang bisyon:

Mula sa pagiging Third World Country tungo sa pagiging First World Philippines.

Ang pagiging First World nation ay hindi lamang tungkol sa matataas na gusali, modernong imprastraktura, o malaking ekonomiya.

Ito ay tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng:

• Matapat at may pananagutang pamahalaan;
• Edukasyong de-kalidad para sa bawat Pilipino;
• Serbisyong pangkalusugan na abot-kaya at accessible sa lahat;
• Disiplina at paggalang sa batas;
• Malinis na pamamahala at matatag na institusyon;
• Makatarungang oportunidad para sa bawat mamamayan; at
• Isang bansang may takot sa Diyos at pagmamahal sa kapwa.

Naniniwala ang First World Philippines Movement na kaya nating makamit ito.

Hindi kulang ang Pilipinas sa talento.

Hindi kulang ang Pilipinas sa likas na yaman.

Hindi kulang ang Pilipinas sa matatalino at masisipag na mamamayan.

Ang kailangan natin ay pagkakaisa, integridad, pananagutan, at isang malinaw na direksyon para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa.

Hindi sapat ang magreklamo.

Hindi sapat ang maghintay.

Hindi sapat ang sisihin ang nakaraan.

Tayo mismo ang dapat maging instrumento ng pagbabago.

Ang bawat g**o ay dapat maging tagapaghubog ng susunod na henerasyon.

Ang bawat lingkod-bayan ay dapat maging huwaran ng integridad.

Ang bawat negosyante ay dapat maging katuwang sa paglikha ng trabaho.

Ang bawat simbahan ay dapat maging gabay sa moral na pagbabago ng lipunan.

At ang bawat Pilipino ay dapat maging bahagi ng pagbuo ng isang mas maunlad na bansa.

Sa araw na ito, nananawagan ako sa bawat Pilipino:

Magkaisa tayo sa isang pambansang adhikain.

Isantabi natin ang pulitika ng pagkakawatak-watak.

Isantabi natin ang kultura ng korapsyon.

Isantabi natin ang kaisipan ng pagiging kuntento sa kahirapan.

Mangarap tayo bilang isang bansa.

Mangarap tayo bilang isang sambayanan.

Mangarap tayo ng isang Pilipinas na magiging modelo ng kaunlaran sa Asya at sa buong mundo.

Isang Pilipinas na may matatag na ekonomiya.

Isang Pilipinas na may malinis na pamahalaan.

Isang Pilipinas na may makatarungang lipunan.

Isang Pilipinas na may takot sa Diyos.

At isang Pilipinas na tunay na karapat-dapat tawaging isang First World Philippines.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12

Sa ika-128 Araw ng Kalayaan, ipagdasal natin, pagtrabahuhan natin, at sama-sama nating itayo ang Pilipinas na pangarap ng ating mga bayani at karapat-dapat sa ating mga anak at apo.

Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

Maligayang Ika-128 Araw ng Kalayaan!

Bishop Rod A. Cubos
Chairman
First World Philippines Movement, Inc.

12/06/2026

MENSAHE PARA SA BAYAN SA IKA-128 ARAW NG KALAYAAN

Mga Minamahal Kong Kababayan,

Sa ika-128 anibersaryo ng ating Araw ng Kalayaan, buong paggalang nating inaalala ang kabayanihan, sakripisyo, at pagmamahal sa bayan ng ating mga ninuno na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay upang makamit ang kalayaang ating tinatamasa ngayon.

Noong Hunyo 12, 1898, itinayo ng ating mga bayani ang watawat ng Pilipinas bilang simbolo ng isang malayang bansa. Ngunit makalipas ang mahigit isang siglo, isang mahalagang tanong ang dapat nating harapin:

Tunay nga ba tayong malaya?

Malaya nga ba tayo kung milyon-milyong Pilipino ang nananatiling naghihirap?

Malaya nga ba tayo kung may mga paaralang hindi natatapos, mga ospital na kulang sa kagamitan, mga tulay na bumabagsak, mga flood control project na hindi gumagana, at mga proyektong pinondohan ng taumbayan ngunit hindi naman lubos na napapakinabangan ng mamamayan?

Malaya nga ba tayo kung ang perang dapat sana’y para sa serbisyo publiko ay nauuwi sa bulsa ng iilan?

Mga kababayan,

Ang pinakamalaking banta sa ating bansa ngayon ay hindi dayuhang mananakop.

Ang pinakamalaking banta ay ang korapsyon.

Ang korapsyon ay tahimik na kaaway ng sambayanan.

Sinisira nito ang tiwala ng mamamayan.

Sinisira nito ang integridad ng mga institusyon.

Sinisira nito ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak.

Sa bawat ghost project, abandonadong proyekto, substandard na imprastraktura, overpriced na kontrata, at paglustay sa pondo ng bayan, may Pilipinong nawawalan ng pagkakataon para sa mas magandang buhay.

Kapag may korapsyon, naghihirap ang mahihirap.

Naghihirap ang magsasaka na umaasang maayos ang farm-to-market roads.

Naghihirap ang mangingisdang nangangailangan ng suporta mula sa pamahalaan.

Naghihirap ang manggagawang naghahanap ng disenteng hanapbuhay.

Naghihirap ang estudyanteng nangangarap ng magandang edukasyon.

At sa huli, naghihirap ang buong sambayanang Pilipino.

Sa panahong ito kung saan nakikita natin ang iba’t ibang kontrobersiya, imbestigasyon, at sigalot sa iba’t ibang sangay ng pamahalaan, hindi natin dapat kalimutan ang tunay na laban.

Habang ang mga nasa kapangyarihan ay nag-aaway, ang ordinaryong Pilipino ay patuloy na humaharap sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin, kakulangan sa trabaho, kahirapan, at kawalan ng sapat na oportunidad.

Kapag nawawala ang tiwala ng mamamayan, humihina ang demokrasya.

Kapag nawawala ang pananagutan, bumabagal ang pag-unlad.

Kapag nagiging normal ang korapsyon, nagsisimula ang pagbagsak ng isang bansa.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), bilang isang independent at non-partisan civil society organization, ay patuloy na nagbabantay sa kaban ng bayan at nagsusulong ng transparency, accountability, at good governance.

Ngunit malinaw naming kinikilala na ang laban na ito ay hindi kayang ipanalo ng iisang organisasyon lamang.

Kailangan namin ang bawat Pilipino.

Kung may ghost project sa inyong lugar — magsumbong.

Kung may abandonado o substandard na proyekto — magsumbong.

Kung may katiwalian sa inyong komunidad — magsumbong.

Kung may paglustay sa pera ng bayan — magsumbong.

Ang katahimikan ay kakampi ng korapsyon.

Ang katapangan ay kalaban ng korapsyon.

Ang pagiging makabayan ay sandata laban sa korapsyon.

Mga kababayan,

Ang tunay na diwa ng kalayaan ay hindi lamang paggunita sa ating kasaysayan.

Ito ay ang sama-samang paninindigan para sa katotohanan.

Ito ay ang pagtanggi sa katiwalian.

Ito ay ang pagpili sa integridad kahit mahirap.

Ito ay ang paglilingkod sa bayan nang may dangal at malasakit.

Ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan, pinararangalan natin ang lahat ng mga Pilipinong pinili ang serbisyo kaysa pansariling interes, integridad kaysa pansamantalang pakinabang, at sakripisyo kaysa pansariling kapakanan.

Kayo ang mga buhay na bayani ng ating panahon.

Kayo ang mga patunay na buhay pa rin ang kabutihan.

Kayo ang mga patunay na may pag-asa pa ang Pilipinas.

Kayo ang mga patunay na kaya pa nating ituwid ang landas ng ating bayan.

Sa araw na ito, magkaisa tayo sa isang adhikain:

Isang Pilipinas na malaya sa korapsyon.

Isang Pilipinas na malaya sa kahirapan.

Isang Pilipinas na pinamumunuan ng katotohanan, integridad, at pananagutan.

At isang Pilipinas na karapat-dapat ipamana sa susunod na henerasyon.

Nawa’y maging inspirasyon natin ang mga bayani ng 1898 upang ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa isang mas malinis, mas makatarungan, at mas maunlad na Republika.

“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”

— Proverbs 29:4

Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

Maligayang Ika-128 Araw ng Kalayaan!

Dr. Louie F. Ceniza
Chairman
Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC)

11/06/2026

PACC CONDUCTS OCULAR INSPECTION OF DELAYED ₱132.3-MILLION CAGAYAN DE ORO DIVERSION ROAD PROJECT; TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL AUDIT TO BE UNDERTAKEN

Cagayan de Oro City — June 11, 2026
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), led by Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, conducted an extensive ocular inspection of the delayed Construction of By-Pass and Diversion Roads, Cagayan de Oro Diversion Road (Junction Balubal-Sayre Highway – Pueblo de Oro, CDO Old Airport Road Diversion Road), Phase II, Package 14, with Project ID No. 23K00124, following complaints received from concerned residents of Cagayan de Oro City.

The project, with an approved contract amount of ₱132,346,223.18, is being implemented by DPWH Region X and undertaken by Ven Ray Construction Corporation.

The inspection team was composed of PACC Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PACC Chief Legal Counsel Atty. Michael Florentino R. Dumlao III, PACC Volunteer Engineers, and representatives from DPWH Region X, including the Project Engineer and Project Inspector assigned to the project.

Records show that the project commenced on March 27, 2023, with a scheduled completion date of January 20, 2024. However, during the inspection, PACC observed that substantial portions of the project remain unfinished despite the lapse of more than two years since implementation began.

Residents who filed complaints before the PACC alleged that the project had been inactive or abandoned for a considerable period and that construction activities only resumed recently following public complaints and heightened scrutiny from stakeholders and concerned citizens.
During the inspection, the PACC team observed that several sections of the diversion road remain in the earthworks stage, with exposed soil, unfinished roadway formation, ongoing excavation activities, incomplete slope stabilization works, and the absence of final pavement structures and permanent safety features.
Heavy equipment and hauling operations were observed on-site, indicating that construction activities had recently resumed. Stockpiles of large boulders and riprap materials intended for slope protection and erosion control were likewise observed, suggesting that major components of the project remain unfinished.
DPWH Region X representatives informed the inspection team that one of the primary causes of the delay was the suspension of works due to unresolved Right-of-Way (ROW) issues affecting portions of the project alignment.

In response to the findings, Chairman Ceniza announced that the PACC will undertake a comprehensive technical and financial audit to determine the causes of the prolonged delay and assess whether public funds were utilized efficiently and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

According to Chairman Ceniza:
"The Filipino people deserve a complete and truthful explanation. This project started in March 2023 and should have been completed in January 2024. Yet, during our inspection, we found that major portions remain unfinished. The public has every right to ask why a project funded by taxpayers continues to suffer delays years after its scheduled completion."

Chairman Ceniza further emphasized that the explanation involving Right-of-Way issues raises serious concerns regarding project readiness and compliance with procurement requirements.

"If the delay is indeed caused by Right-of-Way problems, then we must determine why the project proceeded to procurement, bidding, and implementation despite unresolved ROW concerns. Government projects should not be awarded and implemented without ensuring that critical project requirements are in place. If there were lapses in planning, project preparation, supervision, or contract management, accountability must follow."

"The PACC will examine all project documents, suspension orders, contract extensions, accomplishment reports, billings, disbursements, and Right-of-Way records. We will establish the facts, identify responsibilities, and recommend appropriate actions if violations of law, negligence, or irregularities are discovered. Public funds are sacred, and every peso must be accounted for."

The PACC will request and evaluate all pertinent project documents, including:
• Contract Agreement and Notice to Proceed�• Program of Works and Detailed Engineering Design�• Right-of-Way Acquisition Records�• Suspension and Resumption Orders�• Time Extension Approvals�• Progress Accomplishment Reports�• Billing and Payment Records�• Inspection and Monitoring Reports�• Quality Control and Quality Assurance Documents

The audit aims to determine whether the reported accomplishments correspond with actual field conditions and whether government resources were managed prudently throughout project implementation.

PACC Board of Trustees Member and Spiritual Adviser Bishop Rod A. Cubos reminded public servants, contractors, and all those entrusted with public resources that accountability is not only a legal obligation but also a moral and spiritual responsibility before God.
According to Bishop Cubos:

"Every public project is more than concrete, steel, and earthworks. It represents the hard-earned taxes of the Filipino people and the trust they place in those who govern and implement these projects. Delays, neglect, and mismanagement affect real communities, real families, and real livelihoods."

He further emphasized that transparency and integrity are fundamental principles of righteous leadership.

"God calls leaders, contractors, engineers, and public officials to be faithful stewards. When entrusted with public resources, we are accountable not only before government institutions but ultimately before God Himself. Integrity is doing what is right even when no one is watching."
Bishop Cubos cited:
Luke 16:10
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

He also reminded all stakeholders that truth and accountability are indispensable foundations of good governance.
Proverbs 12:22
"The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy."

The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance through independent monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure projects funded by public resources.

The PACC assured the people of Cagayan de Oro City and the Filipino public that it will continue to pursue the truth, safeguard public funds, and advocate for the timely and proper completion of infrastructure projects intended to serve the nation.

10/06/2026

PACC CONDUCTS OCULAR INSPECTION OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY UNDERPASS PROJECT; FINDS CONSTRUCTION ONGOING, CALLS FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND TIMELY COMPLETION

General Santos City — June 10, 2026
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), led by its Chairman, Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, conducted a formal ocular inspection of the General Santos City Underpass Project following numerous complaints and concerns received from residents, motorists, business owners, and commuters regarding the project’s status, prolonged delays, and the recent closure of the previously opened one-way access lane.

The inspection was conducted together with engineers representing the contractor, personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bureau of Construction, and members of the PACC Monitoring and Validation Team.

The complaints arose after the DPWH and the contractor temporarily closed the one-way access lane of the underpass which had been opened to motorists since last year to help alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during peak morning and afternoon rush hours along one of General Santos City’s busiest transportation corridors.

During the inspection, project engineers briefed the PACC team on the current status of the five-package underpass project.

According to the project briefing:

• Package 1 has reached 100% completion and is fully completed.

• Packages 2 and 3 have reportedly achieved approximately 97% accomplishment and are considered substantially completed.

• Package 4, which had been previously suspended due to revised plans and design modifications, has already secured approval of the revised plans. Project engineers stated that while awaiting the formal resumption order, the contractor has continued preparatory and related works. Current accomplishment is estimated at approximately 50%.

• Package 5 has not yet commenced implementation.

Engineers from both the contractor and the DPWH Bureau of Construction explained that the temporary closure of the underpass became necessary due to ongoing works involving border retaining structures, sheet piling installation, base course operations, drainage works, and concreting activities under Package 4.

The inspection also confirmed that personnel from the DPWH Bureau of Construction under the supervision of Director Allan S. Borromeo continue to provide day-to-day monitoring and oversight of the project being implemented by Vicente T. Lao Construction.

Project officials further informed the PACC that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has publicly announced a target opening date of July 30, 2026 for the General Santos City Underpass.

The PACC inspection team observed active construction operations throughout the project area, including the deployment of heavy equipment, excavation works, earthmoving activities, and ongoing structural development.

Inspection photographs revealed substantial progress in the construction of reinforced concrete retaining walls, tunnel structures, support columns, and related infrastructure components.

The team likewise observed the presence of standing water and muddy conditions within portions of the excavation area, highlighting the importance of completing permanent drainage systems, dewatering facilities, pumping stations, and flood mitigation measures before the facility becomes operational.

Nevertheless, the PACC recognizes the frustration of residents and motorists who have endured years of traffic congestion and repeated changes in projected completion schedules.

PACC Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza said that The people of General Santos City have every right to ask questions. They have endured traffic congestion, inconvenience, delays, and changing timelines while patiently waiting for this vital infrastructure project to be completed.

Our inspection confirms that the project is ongoing and not abandoned. However, government agencies and contractors must understand that public trust is built not only by constructing infrastructure but by being transparent, accountable, and truthful to the people who ultimately pay for these projects through their taxes.

The commitment to open the underpass by July 30, 2026 is a commitment made before the Filipino people. PACC will continue monitoring this project closely to ensure that quality, safety, and accountability are never sacrificed for speed or convenience.

We support the completion of this project, but we equally demand that every peso spent produces a safe, durable, flood-resilient, and world-class infrastructure facility worthy of the people of General Santos City.”

Chairman Ceniza further emphasized that PACC’s role is not merely to investigate allegations of corruption but also to protect the public interest by ensuring that government projects are completed efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with approved plans and specifications.

PACC Board Member and Spiritual Adviser Bishop Rod A. Cubos called upon all stakeholders to uphold integrity, accountability, and service to the public.

“Development is not merely about concrete, steel, and infrastructure. Development is ultimately about people. Every public project carries a moral responsibility because it involves resources entrusted by God through the sacrifices and taxes of the people.

As servants of God and servants of the nation, we must always remember that integrity is doing what is right even when no one is watching. Public office and public service are sacred trusts that must always be exercised with honesty, transparency, and compassion for those who are affected by our decisions.

We pray for the safety of the workers, wisdom for government officials, integrity among contractors, and patience among our people as this important project approaches completion.”

Bishop Cubos cited Proverbs 11:3:

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

He also reminded public servants and contractors of Colossians 3:23:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) shall continue monitoring the General Santos City Underpass Project and shall conduct periodic validation and assessment activities to ensure that the project is completed in accordance with approved engineering standards, public safety requirements, and the government’s commitment to the people of General Santos City.

The PACC likewise calls upon the DPWH, the contractor, and all stakeholders to provide regular public updates regarding project accomplishments, remaining works, and timelines to maintain public confidence and trust.

Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar

15/07/2026

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