At least 1,200 individuals could face criminal charges over anomalous flood control projects, as the government intensifies its crackdown on alleged irregularities involving billions of pesos in public funds.
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Rogelio “Babes” Singson said Friday that about 80 anomalous “ghost” flood control projects have been identified, with an estimated 15 individuals possibly liable in each case.
“One ghost project will involve around 15 individuals to be charged. We limited it to 80 projects done by notorious contractors named by the President,” Singson explained, noting this could lead to around 1,200 possible respondents. “I’m sorry to the Ombudsman, malulunod ka ng papeles at referrals,” he quipped.
(“I’m sorry to the Ombudsman, you’ll be buried under papers and referrals.”)
Singson also said around 64 police and military personnel have been deployed to gather intelligence on the questionable flood control projects tied to these contractors. “We’re expecting additional documents from AFP-PNP ground troops. Next week, dadagsa po ’yan,” he added.
(“Next week, they will come in large numbers.”)
This development comes after the Office of the Ombudsman filed malversation and two graft charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, along with former DPWH officials and Sunwest Construction executives, over a P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro—the first criminal case related to the alleged flood control anomalies.
Meanwhile, the ICI and DPWH announced that they have recommended the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the recommendation covers around P100 billion worth of government contracts awarded to Co-linked Sunwest Corporation and Hi Tone Construction from 2016 to 2025.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Friday that the ICI and DPWH will turn over all gathered evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation.
“Ang lahat ng nakuha nilang impormasyon, ay ibibigay na sa Ombudsman para imbestigahan,” Marcos said in a video message.
(“All the information they have gathered will be given to the Ombudsman for investigation.”)
He added that charges such as plunder, anti-graft, or indirect bribery may be filed if evidence warrants.
He also expressed confidence in the impartiality of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. “Malakas naman ang loob natin na ’yung Ombudsman ay sumusunod lamang sa ebidensya,” the President said.
(“We are confident that the Ombudsman will follow only the evidence.”)
Remulla, for his part, has confirmed that his office is also scrutinizing names mentioned by Co in public video statements.