Senator JV Ejercito expressed dismay over the inclusion of several lawmakers — including his close friend Senator Jinggoy Estrada — among those reportedly recommended for charges by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in connection with the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control scam.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Ejercito expressed sadness over the development but emphasized that he is not defending any of his colleagues implicated in the controversy, saying they should be held accountable if proven guilty.
"Namisinterpret ako na bakit daw umaangal ako na bakit ‘yung mga senador ang tinutukoy hindi po. Kung mayroon pong kasamahan natin na tinutukoy ay kailangan po nilang ipaliwanag iyon pero ako po, ‘yung most guilty ay dapat hindi makawala," Ejercito said.
However, he urged investigators to maintain focus on the “real masterminds” behind the scheme, particularly the 'congtractors,' congressman, and also contractors who allegedly orchestrated and benefited most from the fraudulent system.
Ejercito emphasized that the inquiry should trace the modus operandi behind what he described as the government’s “biggest corruption scheme” to ensure it is never repeated.
“Ang worry ko dito, ‘yung most guilty, tila nawawala yung focus sa kanila dahil may mga ibang personalidad na mga sikat na nababanggit,” he added.
The senator questioned why congtractors, whom he described as the key players in the scam, appear to be escaping accountability.
“Yung mga most guilty, saan yung mga congtractor? Sino ba nagbebenta ng mga proyekto? Sino ba naglalako ng mga proyekto? Sino ba yung ginawang isang pool ang pondo sa kongreso at ito po binenta at nilako sa mga kongresista rin? At may tara na 25%. Mukhang yan ang nangyari doon dahil galing din ako ng house,” Ejercito asked.
Ejercito cited information he had gathered from former colleagues in the House of Representatives, including Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, suggesting that certain members of the House leadership allegedly profited by “selling” flood control projects to fellow lawmakers and private firms.
He expressed concern that while two congressmen have been named so far, many contractors who allegedly initiated the scheme have not been included in the investigation.
“'Yung worry ko na mukhang huwag naman sana tayong malihis dahil gaya na nabanggit mo, dalawang kongresista lang ang nabanggit. Paano yung mga congtractor? Alam naman natin marami sa mga kongresista at contractor. Iisa. Contractor naging congressman, congressman naging contractor. Parang hindi sila naisama," the senator noted.
"Mukhang sila naman ang nagsimula ng ganitong scheme. Kasama pa yung mga taga-DPWH," he aded.
He further claimed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through specific officials allegedly led by former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, played a crucial role in implementing these questionable projects.
“Mukhang ang lahat ng modus na ito talagang ‘yung ilang mga congtractor doon sa House at ‘yung mga DPWH naman sa pangunguna ni Usec. Bernardo at ‘yung mga alaga po niya. Mukhang iyon po ang partnership, ito po ang proponent, ito po yung sa DPWH for implementation at ‘yung napag-uusapan pa lang natin Bulacan pa lang,” Ejercito said.
The senator reiterated that he is not defending any of his colleagues implicated in the scandal, but insisted that the investigation must target the “most guilty” and ensure that no one, particularly those who engineered the corruption scheme escapes justice.
