Rep. Tirso Edwin Gardiola faces 20 malversation charges over ₱879 million flood project

A special panel of investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman has recommended filing up to 20 non‑bailable malversation cases against Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) Party‑list Representative Tirso Edwin Gardiola. The charges stem from alleged anomalies in a flood‑control project in Bulacan, where more than ₱879 million of public funds were paid to S‑Ang Construction and General Trading Inc., a company reportedly controlled by Gardiola and his family. The money was allegedly funneled through a shell corporation, Newport Coast Cooling Company Inc., and used to purchase a luxury property in Forbes Park, Makati. In addition to malversation, Gardiola and co‑accused face violations of the Anti‑Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, falsification of work reports, premature payments, and bidding irregularities. The panel also seeks a hold‑departure order and preventive suspension for Gardiola and has named 15 Department of Public Works and Highways officials, two Commission on Audit auditors, and members of a Bids and Awards Committee as part of the case.