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.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and three other individuals implicated in a kickback scheme involving anomalous flood control projects. This development stems from investigations into widespread corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), highlighted by recent Senate hearings.
A key witness in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Orly Guteza—a former security consultant for Co—claimed he delivered suitcases of cash to Co's residence and that of House Speaker Martin Romualdez. However, the sworn affidavit supporting this testimony was found falsified. On October 24, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 recommended charges against Guteza for presenting the falsely notarized document, allegedly involving a forged signature and seal of lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, who denied any involvement. Guteza failed to appear in court proceedings. The Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon, stated on October 29 that it has yet to receive the court's order but will act accordingly once obtained.
Complicating matters, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that three aircraft linked to Co are no longer in the country. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon noted on October 29 that these assets are already under a freeze order and cannot be sold, paving the way for future forfeiture. Dizon is scheduled to meet ICI officials on October 30 at 10 a.m. to discuss filing civil forfeiture cases—this marks their second such meeting. Co resigned as a lawmaker following his identification as a central figure in the scandal.
In response to perceived limitations in the current probe, Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco filed House Bill 5699 to establish the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC), granting it powers to issue subpoenas, seek preventive suspensions, hold departure orders, and recover properties. Tiangco highlighted the ICI's inability to enforce contempt against non-compliant witnesses. Similarly, Senator Francis Pangilinan has proposed a Senate bill for an Independent People’s Commission with subpoena and contempt authority. Dizon also formed an Internal Investigation Committee within DPWH on October 29, chaired by Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III, to probe corruption and recommend actions, in line with President Marcos' directive for agency reform.
