Ombudsman to file graft cases vs. 15 officials over flood infra mess
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and three others before the Office of the Ombudsman over their possible involvement in allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, for his part, confirmed that around 15 public officials will face graft charges before the Sandiganbayan over the flood infra mess either before or on November 25.
Remulla said among the 15 public officials who will be charged are those linked to flood control projects in the provinces of Bulacan and Mindoro.
“The target is really by November 25. We will have cases in the Sandiganbayan already,” he said.
The ICI, in its interim report, also recommended the filing of charges against Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, former Caloocan City Rep. Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
“These persons have possibly committed these following violations: direct or indirect bribery and corruption of public officials, corruption of public officers, and plunder,” the ICI said in its report.
“With this filing, we remain true to our commitment to the Filipino people. No one will be spared in the fight against corruption. Politicians or government officials will be investigated and charged by credible evidence. Those found responsible will face the consequences and be held accountable under the rule of law. Justice will not be delayed this time. This is our promise to our countrymen,” ICI chairperson Andres Reyes said.
Remulla said those implicated in the alleged anomalies endorsed by the ICI will be subjected to a preliminary investigation.
The ICI complaints were anchored on the sworn affidavits and corroborating evidence of dismissed DPWH Bulacan engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.
Hernandez, in a Senate inquiry, accused Villanueva and Estrada of receiving kickbacks from him. Both senators denied the allegations leveled against them.
The ICI said it believes there was a systematic kickback scheme wherein lawmakers acted as project proponents, and even inserted funds for flood control projects into the General Appropriations Bill and General Appropriations Act, in exchange for commissions ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent of project costs.
The commission, however, emphasized its interim report does not make categorical findings of guilt and that the determination of liability rests with the proper authorities.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his part, urged caution and adherence to due process following the recommendation of the ICI to file criminal charges against several lawmakers, including Senators Villanueva and Estrada.
Sotto said the Senate must avoid premature judgment and respect the rule of law.
“There are constitutional, legal and political issues to these investigations. And there will be as many opinions as there are lawyers. I would rather be prudent and follow the rule of law and avoid putting the Senate in the line of fire,” he said.
Estrada also on Wednesday rejected the accusations against him, calling the testimonies “hearsay” and vowing to defend himself in court.
“I did not receive any funds intended for flood control projects, and I can prove this in court. The allegations against me are all hearsay or based merely on rumors,” Estrada said.
“I am ready to defend myself and go through any legal process to prove that I am telling the truth,” he added.
Villanueva also denied involvement in the flood control mess, saying he has consistently opposed flood control projects and even questioned their implementation in the past.
“Records of the Senate will show that I have been against flood control projects from the very beginning. I was the one who exposed and questioned these flood control projects that have not been implemented,” Villanueva said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “ICI files charges vs. flood control schemers.”
