Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday confirmed that several senators and lawmakers are expected to face charges related to the flood control scandal, with filings reportedly set for January 15.
“I understand they already drafted charges against Sen. Jinggoy (Estrada), Joel (Villanueva), and former senator (Bong) Revilla. Tapos balita ko, meron na rin daw against Rep. (Edwin) Gardiola, (Benguet Rp. Eric) Yap and his brother (ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic) Yap,” Marcos said in an online interview.
The senators named—Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, both part of the Senate minority, and former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.—along with several House members, were allegedly involved in irregularities tied to flood control projects.
Marcos also noted that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which had been investigating the projects, would be dissolved.
“Walang ICI. Kunsabagay nag-resign na ang lahat ng members eh pero wala pang maliwanag. Lumagpas na ang due date, December 15 may macha-charge na. Lumampas na rin ang Pasko, lumampas na yung New Year and three Kings eh wala pa rin. Di ko alam kung saan ito patungo,” she said.
The senator expressed concern over the handling of the cases, noting that some lawmakers are being included despite a lack of direct evidence.
“Hindi na natin maiintindihan ang sistema ngayon kasi bigla na lang sina-subpoena biglang nauuna na ang warrant, di ko alam, pero ang alam ko na ipinagmamalaki na kumpleto na raw ang ebensiya at pwede na daw i-file.”
Marcos also pointed out that there appears to be no direct evidence linking other senators, including Chiz Escudero, former senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay, and Senator Mark Villar.
“Bakit naman ganito lahat ng senador, Akala ko ‘yung flood control, ang pinagmulan, doon sa Kongreso, Speaker’s office, sa small bicam. Bakit napunta sa Senado? Sobrang diversion na ‘to,” she said.