ICI targets Jinggoy, Joel, Zaldy in graft probe
Key Figures Accused in Flood Control Scandal
MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has taken a significant step by recommending charges of plunder and bribery against six public officials, including Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada. These accusations stem from their involvement in a complex scheme orchestrated by Bulacan district engineers to siphon kickbacks from flood control projects.
The ICI chairman, Andres Reyes Jr., delivered substantial documentary evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman, accompanied by a 19-page interim report that details how corruption occurred within the Bulacan’s first district engineering office. The report outlines the alleged involvement of other public figures such as resigned Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co, former Caloocan lawmaker Mitch Cajayon-Uy, former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former audit commissioner Mario Lipana.
Legal Implications and Commitment to Justice
According to the ICI, these officials may have committed offenses such as direct or indirect bribery and corruption of public officials as defined by specific articles of the Revised Penal Code and sections of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Reyes emphasized the commission's commitment to the Filipino people, stating that no one will be spared in the fight against corruption. He added that politicians and government officials will be investigated and charged with credible evidence, ensuring accountability under the rule of law.
The ICI clarified that the interim report does not imply guilt but rather serves as a recommendation for further investigation. This marks the second time the ICI has made such recommendations since its inception in mid-September, following a similar case involving 18 officials over a P289.5-million flood work in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Challenges and Progress in the Investigation
Despite public impatience with the slow progress of the probe into multibillion-peso corruption in public works, the ICI has reiterated its limited power to detain suspects, focusing instead on making recommendations. The commission is currently concentrating on "low-hanging fruit" – 421 suspected ghost projects where cases can be built more easily. Field validators from the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police, and planning agencies are conducting technical validations.
Still, the commission remains determined to pursue all those involved in the scandal, which has affected government institutions, dampened business sentiment, and sparked threats of military adventurism. Reyes assured the public that justice would not be delayed this time, highlighting the importance of addressing past failures like the 2013 pork barrel controversy.
The Kickback Scheme Unveiled
In the report, the ICI detailed how officials from the disgraced Bulacan engineering office colluded with lawmakers to extract grease money from flood works. The scheme began in 2021, based on testimonies from participants. They allegedly gave kickbacks and advances to legislators in exchange for favorable promises, causing loss of lives and properties and squandering public funds.
Former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and Bernardo were approached by lawmakers to serve as proponents for their proposed items during budget deliberations in exchange for 10 to 30 percent in commission per project. Once the projects were included in the budget, payoffs were facilitated by Alcantara’s top lieutenants, who personally delivered the money to the proponents’ homes.
‘Obligations’ and Financial Implications
The Bulacan first district engineering office received a massive P6.86 billion in funding for public works from 2022 to 2025, with a portion allocated for proponents' "obligations." Notably, P300 million in the 2024 budget was earmarked for the reelection campaign of former senator Bong Revilla, who has not been implicated yet.
The report highlighted that Villanueva wanted a P1.5-billion multipurpose building but was only allowed to spend P600 million. To pacify the senator, Bernardo and Alcantara inserted P600 million of flood control projects into the unprogrammed funds of the 2023 budget, with his supposed P150-million kickback delivered by Alcantara to his rest house.
Estrada, despite previous imprisonments for alleged corruption, denied any involvement in the alleged irregularities. He stated that the accusations against him are purely hearsay and expressed readiness to defend himself in court. Villanueva, on the other hand, said he would wait for the ICI’s official referral to the ombudsman before responding in detail. His lawyers will study the basis of his inclusion in the ICI’s referral and await the action of the ombudsman before filing their answer.
