By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that criminal charges be filed against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and other individuals linked to the suspected anomalous flood control projects.
In its interim report, the ICI also recommended the filing of charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Caloocan lawmaker Mary Cajayon-Uy.
“These persons have possibly committed these following violations: direct or indirect bribery and corruption of public officials, corruption of public officers, and plunder,” the report said.
Based on the sworn affidavits and corroborating evidence provided by former DPWH-Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara and former DPWH-Bulacan Assistant District Engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, the ICI uncovered an alleged systematic “kickback scheme,” in which legislators acting as project proponents inserted flood control projects into the National Expenditure Program (NEP), House General Appropriations Bill, and General Appropriations Act in exchange for commissions ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent of the project costs.
Payments were reportedly coursed through DPWH engineers and cooperating contractors to secure project awards and facilitate releases.
According to the former DPWH officials, this scheme resulted in inflated project costs, substandard implementation, and the diversion of billions of pesos in public funds over several years.
“Their alleged participation appears to constitute violations of Articles 210–212 of the Revised Penal Code on bribery and corruption of public officers, Sections 3(b) and 3(c) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7080 (Plunder Law), given the magnitude of funds involved,” the report said.
The ICI emphasized that the Interim Report does not make categorical findings of guilt and that the determination of liability rests with the proper authorities.
“This interim report is intended to assist in ensuring accountability in infrastructure projects and in protecting the integrity of public funds,” it said. (PNA)
