The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against one former and seven incumbent members of the House of Representatives for their alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects across the country.
In a briefing on Wednesday, November 26, ICI chairperson and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said their joint referral covers 1,300 infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024 linked to lawmakers.
“The subject of this joint referral is the 1,300 infrastructure projects awarded from 2016 to 2024, to contractors that are related to House of Representatives members,” Reyes said.
According to documents submitted by the ICI, the lawmakers under scrutiny are:
1. Former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co
2. CWS Partylist Rep. Edwin Gardiola
3. Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Rep. James Ang Jr.
4. Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jernie Nisay
5. Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Tina Pancho
6. Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara
7. Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas
8. Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera
Reyes also cited Article 6, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, which states: “Members of Congress are barred from having a financial interest directly or indirectly in any government contract, franchise, or special privilege during their term of office.”
This development follows a recent ICI–DPWH recommendation to file plunder, graft, and indirect bribery charges against Co and former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.