Bulacan Governor and Vice Governor Face Graft Charges Over Alleged Tax Scam – The Shocking Truth!

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In May 2024, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Vice Governor Alex Castro, and other provincial officials faced graft and corruption charges filed with the Office of the Ombudsman. The allegations, brought forth by an individual using the pseudonym Francisco Balagtas, centered on the purportedly irregular Bulacan Flood Control and River Restoration Project, valued at approximately P500 million. 

Allegations of Anomalies in the Flood Control Project

The complainant accused Governor Fernando and his associates of favoring TCSC Corporation, led by President Dionesio V. Toreja and Vice President for Mining Engr. Bernie Pacheco, in awarding the flood control project without adhering to proper procurement processes, such as public bidding. This alleged favoritism was claimed to be a violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The complaint also highlighted potential breaches of Department of Public Works and Highways Administrative Order No. 139, Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 of 2019, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2020-07. 

Governor Fernando's Response

In response to these allegations, Governor Fernando dismissed the charges as unfounded and labeled them as a political smear campaign. During a press briefing on May 10, 2024, he emphasized that the project did not involve public funds and, therefore, was not subject to the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act 9184). He cited DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-07, which allows private sector participation in dredging activities without government funding, asserting that all procedures were legally compliant. 

Context of the Allegations

The timing of the complaint coincided with Bulacan's receipt of its seventh Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government in December 2023. This recognition underscores the province's adherence to good governance standards, including financial administration, disaster preparedness, and social protection. 

Governor Fernando suggested that the graft charges were part of a broader political strategy to tarnish his administration's reputation and impede beneficial projects aimed at alleviating long-standing flooding issues in the province. 

Current Status

As of March 2025, there have been no significant updates reported regarding the progression or resolution of the graft and corruption charges against Governor Fernando, Vice Governor Castro, and the other implicated officials. The absence of new developments suggests that the case may still be under investigation or has not proceeded to formal trial.

Conclusion

The graft allegations against Bulacan's top officials highlight the complexities and challenges in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects within the bounds of legal and ethical standards. While the accusations have cast a shadow over the province's leadership, the officials' prior recognition for good governance adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The resolution of this case will significantly impact public trust and the future of infrastructure development initiatives in Bulacan.

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