House Speaker Bojie Dy urges congressional unity during flood control corruption probe session.
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Speaker dy urges house to unite amid corruption probe

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Amid the flood control corruption probe, House Speaker Bojie Dy urged members to unite and restore public trust. Actions continue against lawmakers implicated in the scandal. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended charges against eight congress members.

On December 1, 2025, during the House of Representatives flag ceremony, Speaker Bojie Dy urged colleagues to unite and collaborate to overcome challenges from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) probe into flood control corruption. 'Colleagues, the challenge before us is clear: Unite. Help one another. Set aside personal interests for the sake of the Filipino people,' he said.

The ICI and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recommended criminal and administrative charges against eight former and current House lawmakers for ties to government contractors. Those include Elizaldy Co, Rep. Edwin Gardiola, Rep. Jojo Ang, Rep. Jernie Nisay, Rep. Tina Pancho, Rep. Joseph Lara, Rep. Francisco Matugas, and Rep. Noel Reivera. Accusations involve potential kickbacks and influence in project bidding, violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and Government Procurement Reform Act.

Additionally, two officers of Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., owned by Zaldy Co, sent surrender feelers to the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on December 1. CIDG Director Robert Alexander Morico II said they were afraid, lacking personal lawyers. On November 28, authorities tried serving arrest warrants on Consuelo Dayto Adon, Anthony Li Ngo, and Noel Yap Cao at a Pasay City hotel but failed to locate them.

Speaker Dy also pledged to prioritize the anti-political dynasty bill and pass legislation expanding ICI powers before the December break. 'We can change the image of this institution through honest, diligent, and meaningful service,' he added. As anti-corruption protests continue, like those on November 30, these developments form part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiative started in his July 28, 2025 State of the Nation Address.

What people are saying

Discussions on X primarily feature news outlets reporting House Speaker Bojie Dy's call for unity among lawmakers during the December 1 flag ceremony to restore public trust amid the flood control corruption probe. Coverage highlights cooperation with investigations and the need for reforms, with neutral tones from media accounts. Separate mentions note Sunwest executives sending surrender feelers, reflecting ongoing developments. Limited user opinions focus on demands for accountability.

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Realistic illustration of a press conference announcing charges against senators in a flood control kickback scandal, with documents and public frustration depicted.
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ICI recommends charges against senators in flood control scandal

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The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has recommended criminal and administrative complaints against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, former Representative Zaldy Co, and three others over alleged kickbacks in flood control projects. Related probes include a forged affidavit by a Senate witness linked to Co and efforts to forfeit implicated assets. Lawmakers are pushing for a stronger anti-corruption body amid public frustration with the inquiry's pace.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to hand over all evidence from their probe into anomalous flood control projects to the Ombudsman. This accompanies the agencies' recommendation to file plunder, graft, and bribery charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former congressman Zaldy Co. The Ombudsman's decision will be based on evidence from contracts and testimonies.

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The National Bureau of Investigation has requested an Interpol Red Notice against former lawmaker Zaldy Co in connection with corruption cases involving a flood control project. The NBI confirmed the request was made as early as November 23, 2025, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that Co's passport has been cancelled. This forms part of a broader probe into anomalous projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Sandiganbayan has issued an arrest warrant and hold departure order against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 others over an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered authorities to enforce it immediately with no special treatment. Co, who left the Philippines in August, is willing to return under house arrest or bail due to safety fears.

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In the latest on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) crisis, former adviser Benjamin Magalong doubts replacements can be found for resigned commissioners, while Malacañang holds off amid congressional push for a permanent body.

A recent Pulse Asia survey shows that 52 percent of Filipinos support the immediate passage of a law creating a fully empowered body to investigate alleged corruption in infrastructure projects. This proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) would replace the current Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) established by President Marcos via executive order. The poll indicates strong backing in Metro Manila and the Visayas, though support is lower in Mindanao.

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Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has declared the Independent Commission for Infrastructure effectively a 'dead body,' stating it has ceased to function after key resignations. He attributes its collapse to a lack of manpower and executive support.

 

 

 

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