A press conference was held at Max’s Restaurant, Quezon Memorial Circle, where Task Force Kasanag (TFK) Founder John J. Choing announced the filing of multiple cases, including a staggering ₱8 billion plunder case, before the Office of the Ombudsman. The cases are directed against the contractors and several key individuals involved in the Paquil Bay Bridge Project in Mindanao.
The Paquil Bay Bridge, which was envisioned as a major developmental boost for the region, has been plagued with issues, from delayed timelines to cost overruns. Chiong emphasized that the project’s mismanagement not only wasted public funds but also undermined the trust of the Filipino people in government-led infrastructure initiatives.
During the press conference, Choing detailed how TFK had conducted an in-depth investigation into the bridge project, uncovering massive discrepancies between the original budget allocation and the actual expenditure. According to Choing, the alleged overpricing and fraudulent practices amounted to a loss of ₱8 billion in public funds. “This is a betrayal of the public’s trust. We cannot allow this level of corruption to continue unchecked,” Choing stated during his speech.
The Paquil Bay Bridge Project, intended to connect several regions across Mindanao and boost economic growth, was seen as a pivotal infrastructure undertaking aimed at improving transportation and trade in the area. However, the project has been marred by controversies since its inception, with delays and issues in construction prompting public outcry. The filing of the plunder case marks a major step in exposing what Choing referred to as “deep-rooted corruption” within the project. “This project was supposed to uplift the lives of many Filipinos, especially in Mindanao, but instead, it has become an avenue for graft and plunder. We must hold the guilty parties accountable,” Choing said. Choing also promised that Task Force Kasanag would continue its mission to expose corruption and serve as a watchdog for the public interest.