towards Erika Mae P. Sinoaking
The Philippines Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended the filing of administrative and criminal charges against public works officials linked to flood control facilities involving the projects of President Ferdinand R. Marcos.
In a statement, ICI said its investigation found “indications of collusion” between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private contractors in the inclusion of the national budget.
Among those named in the Office of the Ombudsman were Senators Joel J. Villanueva and Jose “JingGoy” rep.
ICI is also seeking charges against the Cloocan Congress of Cloocan and the Finance Commission.
Mr. Villanueva denied any wrongdoing, saying that Senate records will show that he questioned the allocations for flood control that were never used. “I have been against flood control projects since the beginning,” he told reporters in a Viber message, adding that testimony from DPWW engineers would support his defense.
“All these, in due time, will prove that they are innocent,” he added.
Mr. Estrada denied these allegations, saying he never received kickbacks from the projects.
“The above allegations about me are just hearsay or based on rumours,” said a statement from the Philippines. “I will clear my name, and I am fully convinced that at the right time, the truth will prevail.”
Mr. Co, who is overseas for a medical procedure, has denied allegations of misconduct, while Mr. Bernardo insists that he has no knowledge or involvement in the subpoena.
II said its recommendation is based on preliminary findings, and that determining liability will rest with the Ombudsman. “This move underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending,” it added.
If proven, those actions may include violations of anti-corruption practices, the bribery and bribery provisions of the revised Pulage Code, and administrative violations of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
‘Kicking’ a clue
Sworn affidavits and written testimony from DPWW WAST engineers show that attorneys are raising or subpoenaing flood control projects in kickbacks of up to 30% of project costs, ICE said.
Payments are channeled through field engineers and contractors who cooperate in securing project awards and disbursements of funds, it said. This arrangement was described as “an organized kick-start structure,” with bodies acting as Project sponsors and DPWH officials acting as mediators.
The program started at the budget stage, where the proposed projects are included in the national expenditure plan (NEP), passed through the bicameral conference committee and stored in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
When the money was released, the favored contractors allegedly gave a percentage to the officials who had approved the project documents, variation orders and refund vouchers. II said that several projects did not exist, were unnecessary, or were excessive, diverting billions of public funds.
It cites examples in Buracan, Pampanga and Quezon City where the allocations for 2023 and 2024 had ‘the same monkeys’ even though they were given to different contractors.
ICI reached its conclusions based on sworn affidavits and supporting testimony from DPW WHY engineers HENDY C. Alcantara, Brices D. Hernandez and Jaypee M. Mendoza.
During the Ombudsman filing, ICI Chairman Andres B. Reyes, Jr. Mr. Rivera was among other DPWH employees suspended last month in the same shooting.
Witnesses said Rivera’s list of projects was forwarded to DPWH engineers in regional offices or law enforcement, after which briefs were compiled and selected by contractors. Kickbacks are said to have been paid in two tranches – the first 10% before the approval of the NEP and the remaining 15% after the commencement of the GAA.
“If the input is included in Gaa, it will be given a 25% special share,” said Mr. Reyes. “This 25% payment is advanced by the contractor to ensure that the project will be awarded to him.”
He said the pattern pointed to a “culture focused on fund manipulation” within the infrastructure budget.
“We will continue to investigate, follow the evidence and pursue this last person involved,” Mr Reyes said. “Justice will not be delayed in this case. This is our promise to our people.”
The referral marks ICI’s second referral to the Ombudsman and comes seven weeks after the commission was established. Since the launch of its investigation on September 19, the body has shepherded the majority of Witnesses, formed a technical working group for the rapid recovery of the fund and the verification of 421 flood control projects throughout the country.
The Commission is also integrated with the Philippine National Polices for Instructions and works to reform the licenses of government contractors.
On Tuesday, Executive Director Brian Keian F. Hosaka said the body is revising the rules on organic matter to promote clarity. However, he noted those additional powers — such as the ability to obtain contempt of unrelated witnesses — would require legislation.
