Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla has announced that more high-profile politicians will soon be held liable for either directly facilitating or turning a blind eye to corruption-tainted flood control and other infrastructure projects in recent years.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Remulla identified Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, former Speaker of the House of Representatives; resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, the former House appropriations chair; and former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero as among the officials currently under investigation. Remulla also stated that his office would form a new task force to focus on the Villar family and their business dealings, particularly concerning river drive and flood control projects in Las Piñas (Metro Manila) and Bacoor (Cavite).
Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, a member of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), suggested a possible “connivance” among those involved in what critics have called the country’s “largest corruption scandal” to date. Remulla noted that investigations into Co revealed a pattern of coordination with some senators in crafting the final version of the national budget, although he did not name the senators involved. He also stated that Romualdez was “responsible” for Co’s appointment as chair of the House committee on appropriations in the 19th Congress, emphasizing that Romualdez should be held accountable for the actions of Co.
The ICI, chaired by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., along with Singson, submitted another referral to the Office of the Ombudsman accusing former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan of allowing corruption to go unchecked during his tenure.
Remulla said he is considering suing Romualdez for negligence, in line with the “leadership principle.” The Ombudsman’s office has reportedly found links connecting Escudero to the flood control issues based on a cash trail.
Singson stated that their investigation into the anomalies in flood control projects would go “wherever it leads” them, highlighting the involvement of congressmen and senators who were allegedly informed by the DPWH about which districts they could allocate their SOPs (standard operating procedure, used as code for kickbacks). Remulla also questioned whether the government or the Villar family shouldered the expenses for projects in Las Piñas and Bacoor, suggesting that the projects primarily benefited the landowners of the area.
Former DPWH Secretary and now Sen. Mark Villar has stated that he would support any investigation into his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects, asserting that he has “nothing to hide.”
