A high-ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally denied involvement in an alleged anomaly surrounding a multi-million-peso flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, pleading “not guilty” to a graft charge before the Sandiganbayan.
Juliet Calvo, Chief of the DPWH Mimaropa maintenance division, entered her plea during an arraignment held on Tuesday before the Fifth Division of the Sandiganbayan. Her appearance marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings concerning the contentious infrastructure scheme.
The graft charge stems from reported irregularities connected to the development of the flood control project. Calvo is one of several officials implicated in the controversy, which has put a spotlight on procurement and implementation processes within the regional
office.
Calvo’s plea follows a similar move by eight of her co-accused, all fellow DPWH Mimaropa officials, who also entered “not guilty” pleas during separate arraignment sessions last week.
Among those previously arraigned were the regional director, assistant regional directors, and other key personnel from the Quality Assurance, Construction, and Planning divisions.
All officials linked to the case are currently reported to be under government custody as the anti-graft court prepares for the presentation of evidence and the formal trial phase of the proceedings.
