NBI files plunder cases vs Revilla, Estrada, Co over flood control scandal

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed plunder complaints against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co before the Department of Justice (DOJ), in connection with the ongoing flood control scandal.

DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the complaints are now undergoing preliminary investigation and form part of three separate plunder cases, with each respondent facing an individual charge.

“We have to remember in plunder, we have three charges undergoing preliminary investigation," Martinez said.

“That is three cases. The first part involves high-profile personalities—Senator Bong Revilla, Zaldy Co, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Three separate cases of plunder against each one of the respondents,” he added.

Martinez said the first plunder case entered preliminary investigation on Jan. 5 and includes allegations of plunder, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.

He clarified that the cases were not referred by the Office of the Ombudsman but were filed directly by the NBI with the DOJ.

He added that the allegations are linked to flood control infrastructure projects.

Asked whether the cases were specific to flood control projects in Bulacan’s first district, Martinez said the projects involved were only partly based in the province.

“Yes correct. But partly only in Bulacan,” he said.

Earlier, Martinez said the DOJ is also processing a broader cluster of cases related to alleged bribery and procurement fraud in flood control projects. These include six cases involving other high-profile respondents and a seventh plunder case naming Co.

The allegations point to systemic irregularities in infrastructure procurement, Martinez said.

The DOJ official added that the charges cover multiple offenses, including direct bribery, indirect bribery, corruption of public officers, and violations of the Government Procurement Act and bid-rigging.