NBI Recommends Raps in Flood Control Scandal
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of criminal complaints for malversation of public funds and indirect bribery against prominent political figures, including Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez. This development stems from a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, September 25, 2025, which delved into alleged kickbacks from flood control projects across the Philippines.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the NBI's recommendations, stating that the complaints were based on the testimony and affidavit of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and other witnesses. Remulla emphasized that these recommendations are part of the ongoing case build-up stage.
Allegations and Key Figures
During the Senate hearing, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo implicated several individuals in the alleged scheme. He claimed that millions of pesos in kickbacks were pocketed from various flood control projects. Bernardo stated he personally delivered 'obligations' to Nancy Binay and former Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, as well as Department of Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.
Regarding Senator Chiz Escudero, Bernardo testified that a close friend and campaign contributor, Maynard Ngu, was responsible for delivering allocations to the senator. Bernardo also recalled a conversation with Escudero in 2023 concerning budget allocations. Additionally, another witness, Orly Regala Guteza, a former security consultant for Congressman Zaldy Co, reportedly implicated former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the corruption network related to the flood control kickbacks.
Denials and Further Implications
All three implicated politicians have vehemently denied the allegations. Senator Escudero dismissed the claims as 'fabricated' and vowed legal action, noting that Bernardo himself admitted to having no direct contact with him regarding the matter. Mayor Nancy Binay also denied any links to anomalous infrastructure deals. Similarly, Representative Martin Romualdez rejected the 'cash drop' claims, stating that his Taguig home, where deliveries were allegedly made, was under renovation since 2024.
The NBI's investigation and the Senate hearings have also touched upon other personalities. Previous reports indicated that the NBI had recommended charges against former senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy 'Zaldy' Co, former Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Mary Mitzi 'Mitch' Cajayon-Uy, and former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara in connection with the same scandal. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has reportedly issued freeze orders for the bank accounts of some individuals implicated in the scandal. Malversation of public funds is a non-bailable offense in the Philippines.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
While the allegations are serious and warrant investigation, it's crucial to remember that these are just recommendations at this stage. We need to await proper due process before jumping to conclusions.
Muchacho
Finally, some accountability! Corrupt politicians belong in jail.
BuggaBoom
Another political witch hunt. They're innocent until proven guilty!
Africa
It's reassuring that the AMLC is freezing accounts, suggesting serious intent to recover stolen funds. Nevertheless, the history of such high-profile cases indicates that the road to justice is usually long and fraught with challenges.
Muchacho
Corruption in flood control projects is a deeply troubling issue, especially given the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. Yet, the timing of these recommendations often makes one wonder if there are underlying political motivations at play.