DPWH seeks charges vs Romualdez, 86 others in flood control scandal

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against 87 people over irregularities in flood control projects, including Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and resigned Party-list Rep. Elizady S. Co.

- By Ashley Erika O. Jose Reporter and Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon on Thursday said the agency, together with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Department of Justice, is recommending charges of plunder, malversation, graft and bribery.

"The DPWH and the ICI, together with the Department of Justice, are recommending charges against 87 individuals," he told a news briefing.

Also on the list are former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan; former DPWH undersecretaries Roberto R. Bernardo and Maria Catalina E. Cabral; Senators Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva and Jose P. Ejercito Estrada, Jr.; former Senator Ramon B. Revilla, Jr.; Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario G. Lipana; and contractor Cezarah C. Discaya.

Mr. Romualdez, through his spokesman Abdiel Dan Elijah S. Fajardo, said the ICI's referral did not include any finding or conclusion of guilt.