Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste has filed House Resolution No. 1169, calling on Congress to resume its investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, citing the need for continued legislative oversight amid renewed public demand for accountability.
The resolution was filed as large crowds gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument, Liwasang Bonifacio, and other parts of the country on June 30, calling for transparency and stronger action against alleged corruption in infrastructure projects.
Leviste noted that the House Infrastructure Committee suspended its flood control hearings on September 24, 2025, to give way to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which later concluded its operations on March 31, 2026.
In his measure, the lawmaker argued that key evidence and testimonies remain insufficiently examined, including documents linked to the late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral and statements from former military officials.
He also pointed to testimony from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who reportedly claimed that “almost 100%” of bids within the agency were manipulated, while noting that current cases have focused only on a limited number of offices.
Leviste likewise cited the Office of the Ombudsman’s announcement that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan is set to become a state witness, alongside Bernardo, in ongoing investigations.
“Today’s EDSA rally is not only for one group, it is for all Filipinos, and this resolution gives Congress the opportunity to address the public dissatisfaction with the response to the flood control scandal to date,” Leviste said.
The lawmaker stressed that the proposed renewed inquiry would not interfere with pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, nor with reforms being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under its current leadership.
He added that a continued congressional investigation is necessary to strengthen accountability measures and support potential legislative reforms addressing corruption in public infrastructure projects.
Leviste emphasized that Congress must fulfill its role in ensuring checks and balances, especially as public scrutiny intensifies over alleged irregularities in flood control spending.
