The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended plunder and bribery charges against Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, and several former government officials for alleged kickbacks from flood control projects in Bulacan.
According to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr., he personally brought to the Office of the Ombudsman the evidence and report showing how corruption allegedly occurred in the project. Also under investigation are former congressmen Zaldy Co, Mitch Cajayon-Uy, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former audit commissioner Mario Lipana.
According to the report, the conspiracy allegedly began in 2021, with several lawmakers demanding 10% to 30% commission from contractors in exchange for project approval. The total cost of flood projects in Bulacan is said to have reached over ₱6.86 billion.
According to ICI, some officials prefer flood control projects because of the higher percentage of revenue. Payments or “SOPs” are given through cash delivery to the houses of the officials involved.
Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva denied the allegations. Estrada said the accusations were untrue, while Villanueva said he would wait for the Ombudsman's official action before making a statement.
