A Lapu-Lapu City court has denied bail to seven officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Davao Occidental District Engineering Office and St. Timothy Construction president Roma Rimando, ruling that evidence against them in a flood control scam remains strong.
Accused Officials and Charges
The seven DPWH officials who were not allowed to post bail are District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, Assistant District Engineer Michael Awa, Construction Section Officer-in-Charge Joel Lumogdang, Project Engineer Harold John Villaver, Quality Assurance Section Officer-in-Charge Jafel Faunillan, Planning and Design Section Chief Josephine Valdez, and Maintenance Section Chief Ranulfo Flores. They face charges of malversation of public funds or property through falsification under Article 217, in relation to Articles 171 and 172 of the Revised Penal Code.
Court Clarifies Bail Decision
The court emphasized that the denial of bail should not be interpreted as a final judgment of guilt or innocence. According to the resolution, approving a bail petition does not mean the prosecution failed to prove its case, while denying bail does not guarantee that the accused's guilt will be proven. The court clarified that criminal responsibility can only be determined after a full trial where all parties have the opportunity to present evidence.
Context of the Case
The eight officials, including the contractor, were arraigned on January 13, 2026, in Lapu-Lapu City for their alleged involvement in the flood control scam. The court added that the decision on bail is limited to determining whether the accused is entitled to temporary liberty while the trial continues.
