Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday indicated that additional cases linked to flood control project anomalies are expected to surface in the coming months.
“Ngayong tag-init, iinit sinasabi ko sa inyo,” Remulla told reporters, signaling that the crackdown will intensify as investigations progress.
The Ombudsman has already filed graft and malversation charges against several officials and contractors over questionable flood control projects. Among those charged are former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Mimaropa officials for allegedly constructing a substandard road dike in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and DPWH-Bulacan First District Engineering Office officials face charges over an alleged “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, while government contractor Sarah Discaya was charged in connection with a similar project in Davao Occidental.
Authorities are also investigating possible involvement of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, as well as Benguet Lone District Representative Eric Yap and his brother, former ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Edvic Yap, in related flood control anomalies.
The developments point to a widening probe that could implicate more lawmakers and contractors, as the Ombudsman ramps up efforts against alleged misuse of public funds in infrastructure projects.