From Congress to government offices, 87 names are now under the Ombudsman’s scrutiny, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday, citing charges of plunder, malversation, bribery, and graft.

In his report, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon reiterated that the referrals were made by the Independent Commission on Infrastracture (ICI) and the DPWH, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), and have been forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The list of respondents includes high-profile figures such as former House Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez, former Congressman Zaldy Co, Sara Discaya, former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, senators, congressmen, undersecretaries, and a Commission on Audit commissioner. DPWH personnel, contractors, and other private individuals are also part of the list.

Of the 87 individuals, 23 already have cases filed in court, including Co and Discaya, with ongoing proceedings in Oriental Mindoro and Digos. The Ombudsman is expected to file additional cases before Christmas.

“Ang dapat managot, ay dapat managot,” Dizon said, echoing directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Ombudsman. He emphasized that while high-profile figures are involved, all cases must follow due process and be backed by strong evidence.

Administrative actions within the DPWH continue in parallel, with 90 personnel already dismissed, suspended, or facing complaints. Undersecretaries Arthur Bisnat and Raffi Torgano, together with ICI General Azurin, are overseeing these internal proceedings.

The DPWH also reported progress in asset recovery, with PHP 13 billion in assets frozen. This includes the following data:

• 5,000 bank accounts

• 183 insurance policies

• 8 aircraft

• 255 motor vehicles

• 178 real estate properties

• 16 e-wallet accounts

• 3 security accounts.

To date, around PHP 150 million has been voluntarily returned by individuals, with more recoveries expected.

“Umpisa pa lang yan. Tuloy-tuloy yan. Hindi kami tumitigil dito,” Dizon said.