The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has moved to file plunder and other criminal charges against 87 individuals over their alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Thursday, December 18.
In presenting the agency’s yearend report, Dizon said the list of respondents includes former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as several former and incumbent officials.
Of those recommended for prosecution, 23 already have pending cases in court, nine have been arrested, while seven remain at large.
Among those cited as evading accountability is former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, whose Philippine passport has been revoked as authorities moved to serve an arrest warrant against him.
“May proseso yan lahat. Hindi yan overnight. Pero sa tingin ko, dito sa makikita natin ngayon, sa loob ng tatlong kalahating buwan na nandito ako… meron na tayong mga nagawa. Pero umpisa pa lang ito,” Dizon said during a press conference.
He stressed that the filing of complaints is ongoing.
“Marami pang mga irerefer sa mga susunod na linggo, susunod na buwan,” he added.
Aside from lawmakers, the DPWH also recommended charges against government contractor Sarah Discaya, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral.
Other officials facing possible prosecution include Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana and several members of the House of Representatives from various districts and party-list groups.
Earlier, Dizon vowed that several individuals linked to the alleged flood control irregularities would spend Christmas behind bars.