Philippine anti-graft body recommends charges vs lawmakers in flood scandal

THE Philippines’ Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended the filing of administrative and criminal charges against lawmakers and Public Works officials linked to a multibillion-peso kickback scheme involving flood control projects, marking one of the biggest corruption probes under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration.

- Erika Mae P. Sinaking

In a statement, the ICI said its investigation found “indications of collusion” among legislators, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and private contractors in the insertion and implementation of flood control allocations in the national budget.

Among those named in the recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman were Senators Joel J. Villanueva and Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, resigned Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co and ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo.

The ICI also sought charges against a former Caloocan congresswoman and an Audit commissioner.

Mr. Villanueva denied any wrongdoing, saying Senate records would prove he had questioned flood control allocations that were never implemented. “I have been against flood control projects from the start,” he told reporters in a Viber message, adding that the testimony from a former DPWH engineer would support his defense.

“All these, at the proper time, will prove my innocence,” he added.

Mr. Estrada also rejected the allegations, saying he never received any kickbacks from the projects.

“The allegations against me are purely hearsay or based solely on rumors,” he said in a statement in Filipino. “I will clear my name, and I am fully confident that in due time, the truth will prevail.”