Matugas father, son face graft complaints over DPWH contracts

MATUGAS. Former Surifao del Norte governor and now Representative Francisco Matugas speaks before a crowd in this 2025 photo.

Cong. Lalo Matugas FB page

An investigation reveals discrepancies in a road project, with claims of overpayment and direct financial interests linking the Matugases to the contractor

AT A GLANCE

• Surigao del Norte representatives Francisco Matugas and his son face malversation and graft complaints related to their dealings with Boometrix Development Corporation.
• The Ombudsman has recommended complaints for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, with potential non-bailable offenses for malversation of public funds.

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MANILA, Philippines – Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and his son, former representative Francisco “Bingo” Matugas II, are facing malversation and graft complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over their alleged involvement with a contractor, the investigative body announced on Friday, August 28.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Ombudsman has recommended complaints for alleged violation of sections 3(e) and (h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds against the two Matugases.

Section 3(e), one of the most commonly cited offenses against government officials, covers causing undue injury to the government or giving any party unwarranted benefits. Section 3(h), meanwhile, prohibits public officials from having a direct or indirect financial or business interest in matters where they intervene in their official capacity.

Malversation, depending on the amount involved, could be a non-bailable offense.

The criminal complaints have been endorsed for preliminary investigation, meaning Ombudsman prosecutors will now determine whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue the cases. If the evidence is sufficient, the prosecutors will indict file the cases with the Sandiganbayan.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also announced that administrative complaints are also pending against the two Matugases. Unlike criminal cases that may carry jail time, administrative actions may result in the penalty of suspension or disqualification from holding public office.

According to the Ombudsman, the complaints, which also include several unnamed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials as respondents, stemmed from their alleged link to Boometrix Development Corporation.

“DPWH records represented that P80.61 million Mahayahay-Tuburan road project in Del Carmen as fully complete and Boometrix was fully paid. An Ombudsman site inspection in April 2026 found the project [was] only 65 to 70% accomplished. At least P31 million was released despite its actual condition,” said Clavano.

“Investigators also documented P457 million pesos in loans between the former legislators and Boometrix, supporting the conclusion that both held direct pecuniary interest in the contract,” he added.

In October 2025, Rappler reported that the Matugas dynasty is Surigao del Norte’s top contractor with over P10 billion in government contracts. The investigation revealed that Boometrix is owned by Dapa, Surigao del Norte Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, sister of the Matugas patriarch.

Mayor Matugas was one of the incorporators and shareholders of Boometrix when they set up the company in 2013. Although she was no longer an owner, the company shares are still held by her son, Ronald Abejo, as of 2025. – Rappler.com