Gross negligence

Former speaker Tony Lopez

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Former speaker Ferdinand Romualdez, former Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former secretary Martin Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways are the three major players in the P1-trillion floodgate scam of the past three years.

The biggest stealing in history would not have happened without their active and aggressive participation.

Yet, the three are possibly guilty only of gross inexcusable negligence. Plainly, that is the political equivalent of a slap on one’s wrist. The penalty for gross negligence is arresto mayor ~ a six-month imprisonment. Not a life sentence nor death by musketry.

On Nov. 4, 2025, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said former speaker Romualdez could face a complaint of gross inexcusable negligence for his alleged role in the appointment of former AKo Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co as the head of the appropriations committee and the latter’s connection to the anomalous flood control projects.

Remulla said several other government officials could face the same complaint - gross negligence. That includes Escudero and Bonoan.

On Nov. 6, 2025, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended administrative charges against Bonoan for two ghost riverbank projects in Bulacan, the first costing P72.4 million and the second, 95.04 million. A total of P167.44 million disappeared without a trace. Bonoan should have known about it, but did not. That is gross negligence, which is an administrative, not a criminal, case.

So there. Romualdez, Escudero and Bonoan are not criminals. They are negligent. It’s like urinating in public against the wall. The police tells you, “Hey man, that’s against the law.” And you reply: “No sir, this is against the wall.”