The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed 18 cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control scandal involving projects in several provinces across the country.
According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, three of the cases have already been elevated to the Sandiganbayan, while another three were filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
Matibag added that eight cases have been endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman, while four remain under preliminary investigation at the DOJ.
The complaints are linked to allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan, Cebu, Oriental Mindoro, and other provinces.
Among the high-profile personalities named in the complaints are Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., former Public Works Secretary Manny Bonoan, and former congressman Zaldy Co.
Former DPWH officials, including Brice Hernandez, JP Mendoza, and RJ Dumasig, were also implicated in the cases.
The NBI likewise recommended the filing of charges against former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, and former DPWH-NCR Regional Director Gerald Apulencia.
Also named in the investigation is Sally Santos of SYMS Construction, although authorities confirmed that some individuals involved are currently under the Witness Protection Program.
Matibag stressed the bureau’s commitment to holding accountable even high-ranking government officials allegedly involved in corruption and irregularities surrounding flood control projects funded by public money.
