ICI recommends charges vs Villanueva, Estrada, Co

DOJ to subpoena DPWH officials, Bulacan contractor

- JOSEPH PEDRAJAS and JEFFREY DAMICOG

Interim report shows Zaldy Co could have amassed P22 billion

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of bribery and plunder charges against Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada; former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co; and former Caloocan 2nd district representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy for their alleged hand in anomalous and “ghost” flood control projects.

The body has also recommended charges against Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

ICI Chairperson retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Andres Reyes Jr. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, identified these individuals as having alleged involvement in the anomaly as the body marked its 44th day of investigations and case buildup in the massive corruption scandal that rocked the country to its core.

Based on testimonies and affidavits of resource persons invited by the ICI, Reyes said the individuals had alleged parts "in obtaining bribes or unwanted monetary benefits from flood control project contractors".

"We'll be submitting our interim report and recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman... We recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against [them]," Reyes said in a press conference.