MANILA, Philippines โ Reports linking lawmakers to lucrative public works contracts have reignited concerns over entrenched corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as an independent probe recommends criminal charges against several high-profile politicians allegedly involved in a flood-control kickback scheme.
In its latest report, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) recommended the filing of charges against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, along with former representatives Zaldy โZaldyโ Co and Mitch Cajayon-Uy. The commission’s findings indicated they allegedly received substantial kickbacksโestimated at 25% to 30% of project costsโfrom contractors favored through congressional budget insertions.
Based on sworn testimonies and financial records reviewed by the commission, lawmakers allegedly proposed flood-control projects to DPWH officials and endorsed contractors who, in return, were expected to deliver kickbacks in two phases: an initial 10% upon inclusion of funding in the National Expenditure Program, and about 15% more when the General Appropriations Act was enacted.
The report also points to former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo as a key figure in facilitating the scheme. Investigations also include district engineers and multiple private contractors for their roles.
All implicated lawmakers have denied any wrongdoing, with Villanueva and Estrada branding the allegations as politically motivated and pushing for the full release of documents. Co and Cajayon-Uy have yet to issue detailed responses to the report.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which has conducted marathon hearings into the controversy, said the testimonies reveal a โdeeply embedded networkโ involving legislators, DPWH personnel, and favored contractorsโone that may have led to substandard or unfinished flood-control projects in several provinces.
The ICI have forwarded its recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman, which will decide whether to file formal charges. If pursued, the case could become one of the most consequential corruption prosecutions involving sitting and former lawmakers in recent years.
The DPWH said it is cooperating with investigators and has launched its own review of bidding and procurement processes.
The unfolding controversy comes as the country grapples with increasingly destructive flooding, raising fears that corruption in flood-mitigation programs may have left vulnerable communities exposed to greater harm.
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