Marcos Administration Publishes Mugshots of Six DPWH Officials Arrested Over ₱289-M Oriental Mindoro Flood-Control Scam

MANILA, Philippines — In a decisive move underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Marcos administration has publicly released the mugshots of six Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials recently arrested in connection with the ₱289-million Oriental Mindoro flood-control anomaly.

These arrests followed formal charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against the accused officials as part of the government's broader anti-corruption campaign. The officials apprehended include Engr. Cesar O. Basalo, Engr. Lolito M. Seran, Engr. Edward R. Palces, Engr. Alex E. Montemayor, Engr. Ramon I. Villanueva, and Engr. Nathaniel P. Bulaong.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) took the unprecedented step of releasing the mugshots to the public, highlighting the administration's commitment to transparency and the Maasahan at Masipag governance platform of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This transparency measure aims to keep the Filipino people informed and assure them of the government's relentless pursuit of corruption cases.

In a statement, the PCO emphasized, "Reliable Enforcement, Tireless Justice: Corruption has nowhere to hide under the watchful eye of this administration. These arrests manifest President Marcos Jr.'s promise of decisive, transparent, and relentless enforcement of accountability."

Moreover, the administration is actively pursuing pending arrest warrants for Zaldy Co and several executives from Sunwest Construction, companies linked to similar anomalies in flood-control projects. These operations form part of the larger crackdown against irregularities in government infrastructure projects that the Marcos administration vowed to root out.

Presidential spokesperson underscored that these efforts are emblematic of PBBM’s role as the Reliable Enforcer of Accountability, who ensures swift justice following all legal protocols. "We are sending a strong message that no one, regardless of rank or position, is above the law. Our governance is Maasahan at Masipag — dependable and industrious — in protecting the country’s interests."

The ₱289-million Oriental Mindoro anomaly involves questionable contract awards and alleged overpricing in flood-control projects that were supposed to protect communities from seasonal flooding. The arrests serve as a warning that corruption in government projects will be met with firm and transparent enforcement.

As President Marcos Jr. continues to lead the administration’s anti-corruption drive, the release of the mugshots is seen as a tangible demonstration of his policy to provide accountability and transparency in governance, restoring public trust in government institutions.

The government reiterated its call for cooperation from all agencies, stakeholders, and the public to maintain vigilance against corrupt practices and support efforts to ensure that infrastructure projects are implemented properly for the benefit of all Filipinos.