MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division upheld its earlier denial of bail for former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Mimaropa officials facing malversation charges in connection with an allegedly irregular road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The anti-graft court rejected motions for reconsideration filed by former Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, Assistant Regional Directors Gene Altea and Ruben Delos Santos Jr., Construction Division Chief Dominic Serrano, Maintenance Division Chief Juliet Calvo, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division OIC-Chief Dennis Abagon, Planning and Design Division OIC-Chief Montrexis Tamayo, Project Engineer III Felisardo Casuno, and Accountant Lerma Cayco, who were accused alongside former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

The accused argued that their signatures on disbursement vouchers and inspection reports were routine and part of official duties. Casuno contended that he only signed inspection reports after visual verification of steel sheet piles (SSPs), which were found to be shorter than the required 12 meters. He also claimed that night-time pile driving by contractor Sunwest, Inc. concealed the deficiencies.

Santos added that the amounts he handled were below the P8.8 million threshold for reclusion perpetua, which he said would entitle him to bail as a matter of right.

The court, however, emphasized that the officials did more than merely process documents—they certified and approved the release of public funds. It also criticized their failure to monitor SSP installation, calling it “inexcusable” given the project’s scale.

The Sandiganbayan further dismissed arguments that the project could still be rectified, stating that the possibility of future corrections does not excuse past failures to comply with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, in the resolution, noted that the motions for reconsideration merely repeated arguments already considered and found without merit in the March 10 resolution.

Calvo’s counsel had claimed their role was limited to “noting” documents, while Cayco cited advanced age and frail health in seeking humanitarian bail, both of which the court rejected.