The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has formally submitted a referral to the Office of the Ombudsman recommending criminal and administrative charges against former senator Bong Revilla Jr. and several other individuals in connection with alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, ICI chairperson Justice Andres Reyes Jr. announced that the commission’s investigation uncovered signs of corruption and possible misuse of public funds involving multiple personalities tied to the infrastructure initiatives. According to Reyes, the ICI is pushing for the filing of cases that may include direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder, and other administrative violations.
Among those recommended for prosecution are businessman Maynard Ngu, Carleen Villa, Gerard Opulencia, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, Gene Ryan Altea, J.Y. Dela Rosa, Mrs. Patron, and Carlo Aguilar. The commission believes these individuals may have played roles in questionable transactions, fund flows, or project implementation related to the government’s flood control programs.
Justice Reyes emphasized that the findings point to patterns of bribery and potential large-scale corruption. “The possible cases are direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder, and administrative sanctions, among others,” he stated.
Former senator Revilla, however, has repeatedly denied receiving any kickbacks from the projects under scrutiny. He insisted that accusations linking him to anomalous fund handling are fabricated and politically motivated. Revilla previously faced plunder and graft charges in relation to the pork barrel scam but was acquitted in the plunder case in 2018.
The ICI’s referral adds renewed scrutiny to infrastructure-related corruption, a long-standing issue that has plagued various government programs. The commission noted that the alleged scheme involved potential diversion of funds, questionable subcontracting practices, and suspicious payment flows.
Aside from recommending charges against Revilla and several private individuals, the commission also submitted for further review and case buildup the names of sitting senators Chiz Escudero, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Mark Villar. While the ICI did not recommend immediate charges against them, it said additional investigation is needed to determine their possible administrative or criminal liability.
The Ombudsman is expected to evaluate the referral and determine whether formal cases should be filed. As the review progresses, the ICI asserted its commitment to transparency and accountability, saying that public funds must always be protected from misuse and corruption.