DOJ subpoenas vs Estrada, Revilla expected as flood control probes widen

As January 2026 draws to a close, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to issue additional subpoenas as investigations into alleged flood control anomalies continue to expand.

DOJ Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said Thursday that subpoenas in separate plunder complaints against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. are expected to be issued within the week.

Fadullon said the DOJ is also conducting preliminary investigations into six malversation complaints involving Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., in which Senator Joel Villanueva is named as a respondent in three cases.

As probes progress, Fadullon stressed that flood control cases are complex and require extensive evidence, unlike open-and-shut crimes.

“That’s why it’s not as easy as binanggit yung pangalan ni ganitong Senador, binanggit Yung ganitong pangalan ni ganitong pangalan ni ganitong congressman kaso na kaagad,” Fadullon said.

“Madali po magsampa ng kaso. Ang mahirap po patunayan ‘yung kaso, so kinakailangan na ang kasong isasampa mo ay may matibay na ebidensya para matiyak mo naman na ‘yung resultang gusto mong makuha, makukuha mo,” he added.

Fadullon said the preliminary investigation into Estrada’s plunder case is expected to take about 60 days, noting that respondents are given the opportunity to answer the allegations.

“For all the cases that we investigated we have tried and we succeeded in keeping it within that period. Kasi alam namin na Yung mga tao naiinip, gusto natin na Hindi na Tayo dumagdag pa don sa pagkainip at doon sa Galit NG MGA tao,” he said.

Charges may be filed before regular courts or the Sandiganbayan between February and March, Fadullon said, stressing that investigations by the DOJ, National Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Independent Commission of Inquiry are being conducted simultaneously.

“Ibig Sabihin ba nito na habang itong kaso na ito ay gumugulong Wala na bang ibang imbestigasyon na ginaagwa? Hindi po,simultaneous Yan,” he said.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, who also attended the forum, expressed confidence that high-profile figures implicated in flood control corruption would eventually be held accountable.

Dizon cited the issuance of an arrest warrant and passport cancellation against former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co as a sign of progress.

“I think we are already seeing it, For the longest time SI Cong. Toby lang Ang nagsasalita against former Congressman Zaldy Co, walang gustong magsalita, Wala man lang gustong bumigkas ng pangalan niya,” Dizon said.

“Pero Ngayon may arrest warrant an Siya, at hinahunting na siya kanselado na passport niya so I think there is hope dahil doon,” he added.