A youth organization on Friday raised concerns over the delayed filing of charges against Senator Joel Villanueva regarding his alleged involvement in a controversial flood-control project in Bulacan, despite earlier assurances from authorities that the case was ready for prosecution.
The criticism follows a statement made on May 26 by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who indicated that a plunder case could be filed before the Sandiganbayan against Villanueva within two weeks in connection with the alleged anomaly.
Members of the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) staged a protest outside the Office of the Ombudsman to demand immediate legal action. The group highlighted that more than two weeks had passed since Remulla’s announcement without any formal charges being made public.
According to SPARK, the controversy involves the alleged diversion of at least ₱150 million designated for Bulacan’s flood-defense infrastructure.
“Mahigit dalawang linggo na ang lumipas pero wala pa ring malinaw na aksyon. Nakakabahala na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa nila kinakasuhan si Villanueva. Dahil ba bumaliktad na siya, kumampi sa Gatchalian bloc?” SPARK said in a statement.
The organization noted that the delay directly coincided with recent political realignments in the Senate, specifically Villanueva’s reported shift to the majority bloc under Senate President Win Gatchalian.
SPARK warned that the situation threatens the credibility of the anti-graft body, which had previously claimed to have sufficient grounds to proceed.
“The public now views that the constitutional body has been weaponized by the Marcos administration to facilitate the establishment of a new Senate majority and to secure the senators’ votes in the impeachment case of VP Sara Duterte,” the group stated.
Furthermore, the youth group criticized the current Senate leadership, suggesting that broader political motives are dictating the pace of the investigation.
“Hindi bago ang ganitong klaseng oportunismo sa Senado. Nakikinabang ang kasalukuyang administrasyon ni Marcos sa bagong mayorya para sa kanyang long-term goal na matanggal si Sara Duterte sa pwesto at pagbawalang makatakbo muli,” the group said.
SPARK concluded by calling on the Office of the Ombudsman to assert its institutional independence and hold public officials accountable without favor.
“The youth call on the Ombudsman to fulfill its constitutional mandate by demonstrating independence, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that no individual is placed above public scrutiny regardless of political affiliation or alliance,” it said.
Neither the Office of the Ombudsman nor the camp of Senator Villanueva has issued an official statement in response to the group’s allegations.