CRIMINAL and administrative complaints have been filed against several barangay officials of Saavedra, Moalboal, Cebu, and private individuals involved in alleged irregularities in a barangay rehabilitation project carried out in mid to late 2024. The complaints were filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7.
In a press release from NBI 7 on Monday, June 16, 2025, the complaints were officially lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas on Friday, June 13. This action followed an extensive investigation ordered by NBI Central Office Director Jaime Santiago.
The investigation disclosed that on July 26, 2024, the barangay bids and awards committee (BBAC) of Barangay Saavedra purportedly convened for a public bidding for the rehabilitation of the barangay day care center and a pre-bid for a mini dump truck for barangay use.
The NBI recommended the prosecution of the following individuals for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act (RA) 3019; the Government Procurement Reform Act, or RA 9184; and RA 6713 for grave misconduct: Barangay Captain Mario Maribao Temblor, BBAC chairman Jay Buagas Diaz, BBAC vice chairperson Marifel Abalorio, BBAC member/secretary Annie Laurie Benitez, BBAC members Edgar Bajao and Fidel Abrenica, technical working group (TWG) members Ana Rose Temblor and former barangay treasurer Miraflor Cutanda.
Meanwhile, Sibalom Glass Aluminum Construction Supply and Services owner Gershon Mena, co-owner Rudy Ng and their partner Charlie Tan are also under investigation regarding their alleged involvement in the irregular bidding process.
The complaints were filed by Saavedra residents Elma Nuevo Gabunada and Josie Alvarico Calipayan, who initially flagged the irregularities.
According to the NBI 7 investigation, despite a clear lack of quorum at the July 26, 2024, BBAC meeting, materials for the rehabilitation project were delivered just two days later. Rehabilitation works commenced on Aug. 1, well before the supposed re-bidding, which was documented as held on Oct. 14.
The NBI 7’s investigation revealed a timeline of events suggesting deliberate manipulation of the procurement process for both the day care center’s rehabilitation and the mini dump truck pre-bid.
The invitation to bid was published via Philgeps. However, on July 26, only BBAC chairman Diaz and vice chairperson Abalorio were present at the alleged public bidding, resulting in a lack of quorum. Sibalom was recorded as the sole bidder.
Despite the absence of a quorum, Sibalom delivered materials for the rehabilitation on July 28. Actual rehabilitation works began on Aug. 1. Photographic evidence submitted by the complainants indicates the rehabilitation was completed by the second week of September. Investigators describe this sequence of events as a “deliberate manipulation and falsification” of public documents.
Documents later submitted to formalize the process depicted a starkly different timeline:
Re-bidding and Opening of Bids: Purportedly held on Oct. 14, with Sibalom again declared the winner.
Notice of Award: Oct. 21
Notice to Proceed: Oct. 30
Completion Date: Nov. 11
Certificate of Completion: Nov. 12
Inspection and Acceptance Reports: Nov. 14
Payment Released: Nov. 20, totaling P280,639.01
The NBI noted this sequence constitutes a “classic case of putting the cart before the horse,” as the rehabilitation was already completed months before the documented “official” procurement process. The manipulated documents suggest the rehabilitation took approximately eleven days, while the actual work spanned over a month.
Furthermore, Temblor was observed inviting representatives of the lone bidder to his birthday celebration on July 22 – four days before the initial bidding. This suggests possible prior coordination, according to the NBI.
Violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act carry severe penalties, including imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than 10 years, perpetual disqualification from public office and forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth.
Under the Government Procurement Reform Act, public officers found guilty of bid-rigging, collusion, or falsifying documents may face imprisonment of up to 15 years and temporary disqualification from public office. Private individuals who collude with public officers may be permanently barred from transacting with the government. / CDF