*ICI has recommended charges against 7 congressmen and Zaldy Co for alleged plunder and graft connected to flood control corruption in the DPWH. According to the report, these lawmakers have construction firms that are taking government projects, which is illegal.
According to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr., there is clearly a conflict of interest because congressmen should not be involved in businesses that have direct contracts with the government. He also stressed that the long-standing “culture of contracting” in Congress must be curbed because it is destroying public trust.
The list includes firms connected to Zaldy Co, Edwin Gardiola, James Ang Jr., Jernie Jett Nisay, Augustina Pancho, Joseph Lara, Francisco Matugas, and Noel Rivera. Their companies have won up to 1,300 projects from 2016 to 2024.
President Marcos also issued a statement, saying that the government will not stop pursuing the people's money. According to him, the AMLC has already issued freeze orders that amount to P12 billion of assets connected to the controversy, including nearly P4 billion of Co.'s assets.
The Ombudsman's investigation is ongoing, and more names are expected to emerge. Several DPWH officials have been arrested, including Juliet Calvo and Montrexis Tamayo, for charges involving public funds and malversation.
