Request Calls for LGU, DPWH, and Independent Monitoring Team to Verify Project Status and Scope
SIPOCOT, CAMARINES SUR — August 28, 2026 — Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI) has formally requested a joint on-site evaluation of three major Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects in Sipocot, Camarines Sur, citing the need for greater transparency and independent verification of publicly funded infrastructure.
On August 21, 2026, CCWI formally wrote to Sipocot Mayor Hon. Tomas A. Bocago, proposing a joint inspection involving the Local Government Unit of Sipocot Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), DPWH Camarines Sur 1st District Engineering Office (1st DEO), and CCWI as an independent monitor.
The three projects identified for verification are:
- Manga–Calampinay–Anib Coastal Boulevard — ₱1.88 billion
- Malubago Flood Control Project — ₱225.9 million
- Vigaan Bridge — ₱38.7 million
Combined project value: approximately ₱2.14 billion.
WHY THE SITE VERIFICATION?
According to CCWI’s review of 2022–2026 funding tables, certain project descriptions appear repeatedly, while some newer 2025 entries reportedly reflected accomplishment levels ranging from 0% to only 0.28%.
CCWI said these entries require factual verification on the ground.
The organization emphasized that repeated project descriptions or low reported accomplishment percentages do not, by themselves, establish duplication, irregularity, or wrongdoing. The purpose of the proposed inspection is to determine what is actually being constructed, where the project boundaries and station limits fall, and whether similarly described projects represent legitimate phases, separate contracts, or require further clarification.
PROPOSED THREE-WAY VERIFICATION
CCWI proposed that representatives from the:
- LGU Sipocot Municipal Engineering Office
- DPWH Camarines Sur 1st District Engineering Office
- Crimes and Corruption Watch International
conduct a joint field inspection and walk-through of the identified projects.
The proposed verification would include checking project locations, station limits, physical accomplishments, project scope, contract descriptions, and other available project documentation.
CCWI said it is prepared to participate in the site visits within two weeks, subject to coordination with the concerned government offices.
Following the inspection, CCWI proposed the preparation and public release of a joint factual report within five days after the site visits, subject to the participating agencies’ agreement and verification of the information gathered.
PUBLIC FUNDS DESERVE PUBLIC VERIFICATION
For CCWI, the objective is not to prejudge the projects but to establish the facts through an actual field inspection and comparison with official records.
“Public funds deserve public verification.”
The organization said transparency is strengthened when project records can be compared with what is physically visible on the ground—and when government agencies, local authorities, and independent observers can examine the same information together.
CCWI will await the response of the concerned authorities and remains ready to coordinate the proposed inspection through proper official channels.
CARLO BATALLA, Ph.D.
Chairman/President
Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI)
This report presents CCWI’s request and observations based on its review of funding information. The figures, project descriptions, and reported accomplishment levels should be confirmed against official DPWH records and actual site conditions. The proposed inspection is intended to establish facts and does not constitute a finding of irregularity or wrongdoing.