Flood Control Scandal: Key Figure Remains ‘Untouchable’ as Senators, Congressmen Face Raps

ICI recommends plunder, bribery, and corruption charges against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as former Representatives Zaldy Co, et al.

Flood Control Scandal: Key Figure Remains ‘Untouchable’ as Senators, Congressmen Face Raps

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 30, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A major flood control scandal is engulfing the Philippine political landscape, with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommending criminal and administrative charges against several high-profile figures, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, and former Congressman Zaldy Co.

The announcement, made Wednesday (October 29, 2025), sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the allocation of vital infrastructure funds.

The ICI, led by Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., alleges that these officials, along with Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, former representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy, and former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, were involved in a scheme to receive bribes and unwarranted monetary benefits from contractors vying for flood control projects.

The recommended charges include direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officers, and plunder, signaling the gravity of the alleged offenses.

According to the ICI’s investigation, witnesses testified that funds for flood control programs were illicitly inserted into the National Expenditure Program, either during its initial crafting or during bicameral conference committee meetings.

Proponents of these insertions allegedly received kickbacks ranging from 20 to 30 percent of the project’s total value.

The commission also uncovered evidence suggesting that some contractors made advanced payments to guarantee the awarding of projects.

The alleged “modus operandi,” as described by Reyes, involved a lawmaker informing a DPWH district engineer about secured funding for infrastructure projects, specifically flood control due to their higher kickback potential (25-30% compared to 10% for other projects).

The engineer would then compile a project list based on the budget, which would be channeled through intermediaries to either the DPWH Regional Office or directly to the proponent for insertion into the House General Appropriations Bill or during bicameral meetings.

Following contractor selection, the “SOP” or “obligations” would be paid to the proponent.

While the ICI’s recommendations have been lauded by civil society groups demanding swift action against corrupt officials, one name conspicuously absent from the list of those facing charges is that of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Despite the widespread nature of the alleged scheme and the involvement of numerous lawmakers, Romualdez’s name has not surfaced in connection with the investigation.

The omission of Romualdez’s name has fueled speculation and raised questions about potential political protection, leaving many wondering why a figure of such influence appears to be shielded from scrutiny.

The Office of the Ombudsman has received the ICI’s recommendation and is expected to conduct its own investigation.

The commission previously recommended charges against Sunwest Inc., a construction firm linked to Zaldy Co., for alleged irregularities in a P289.5-million flood control project.

As the investigation unfolds, the public is demanding accountability and transparency, eager to see if the promise of “justice without delay” will be fulfilled.

The absence of Romualdez’s name from the initial charges, however, casts a shadow over the proceedings, raising concerns about the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation and leaving many to question whether all those involved will truly be held accountable.

The case promises to be a crucial test of the country’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring the proper allocation of public funds.