The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former Surigao del Norte 1st District Representatives Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and Francisco “Bingo” Matugas II, along with several public works officials and private individuals.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed during a media briefing that the father-and-son duo, along with several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel and representatives from Boometrix Development Corporation, are undergoing preliminary investigation.
“The Ombudsman has recommended criminal and administrative complaints against former Surigao del Norte Reps. Francisco ‘Lalo’ Matugas and Francisco ‘Bingo’ Matugas II, several DPWH officials and personalities linked to Boometrix Development Corp.” Clavano stated.
The charges stem from alleged violations of Sections 3e and 3h of Republic Act No. 3019 (the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and malversation through the falsification of public documents.
The Ombudsman has also requested an ethics review against the older Matugas in the House of Representatives and engaged the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to review financial records.
“The report recommends complaints for violation of Section 3e and 3h of RA 3019 and malversation through falsification of public documents. Administrative charges against the DPWH officials involved, referral of Lalo Matugas to the House Committee on Ethics, and transmission of the complaint to the AMLC,” Clavano added.
The investigation centers on the Majayjay-Tuburan road project in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, which was allocated ₱80.61 million. Although DPWH documentation listed the road as completed and fully paid to Boometrix Development Corporation, an Ombudsman inspection revealed the project was unfinished.
“An Ombudsman site inspection in April 2026 found the project only 65-70 percent accomplished. At least ₱31 million was released despite its actual condition,” Clavano explained.
Probers also uncovered financial ties between the former lawmakers and the contractor, pointing to potential personal gain from the public infrastructure deal.
“Investigations also documented ₱457 million in loans between the former legislators and Boometrix, supporting the conclusion that both held direct pecuniary interest in the contract,” Clavano noted.
Clavano emphasized that the case remains in the preliminary investigation stage, and no formal finding of guilt has been established against any of the respondents.