ICI URGES CHARGES VS SENATORS, EX-SOLONS, OFFICIALS IN FLOOD SCAM

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended charges against six individuals including two sitting senators and two former congressmen - for their alleged role in a multimillion-peso flood control racket that funneled public funds into "ghost" projects in exchange for kickbacks of up to 25 percent.

- By JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

Named in the ICI’s interim report are Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada; former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co; and former Caloocan 2nd District representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy.

Also facing recommended charges are 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.