The Office of the Ombudsman is set to issue arrest warrants by mid-December against several lawmakers and government officials allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.
In an interview, Ombudsman Boying Remulla revealed that former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Chiz Escudero, and former Senator Bong Revilla are among the first individuals expected to be served warrants on December 15–16.
“There are many of them, more than 30 already, maybe even 40, including officials of the companies,” Remulla said, noting that charges will go beyond malversation and graft.
The warrants will also target contractors, engineers, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Remulla emphasized that Co, Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation, the Regional District Engineer, and other district officials will be among the first to face charges before the Sandiganbayan.
He described the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo as credible, despite some details the ex-official failed to recall.
Remulla also warned those involved not to hide once the warrants are issued.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) had earlier recommended filing graft and malversation cases against senators, DPWH executives, and contractors implicated in the flood control scam.