ICI to subpoena Mark Villar, Martin Romualdez, Zaldy Co

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is set to issue a subpoena to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and former House Appropriations chair Zaldy Co. 

That's according to ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka in a tweet of GMA Integrated News' Joseph Morong.

ICI Exec. Dir. Atty. Brian Hosaka: former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, and former DPWH secretary now Sen. Mark Villar to be subpoenaed @gmanews @24orasgma

— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) October 1, 2025

GMA News Online has reached out to Villar, Romualdez, and Co for comment but they have yet to reply as of posting time. 

Villar served as DPWH Secretary from 2016 to 2021. He is also currently the chairperson of the Senate public works committee.

Romualdez has denied  allegations linking him to supposed anomalous flood control projects. 

"If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent. At kung ginawa nila iyon para kumita, sila ang mandaraya at sila ang dapat managot. And I say this with all honesty: I have never, and I will never, accept a bribe from anybody," he said.

The ICI is mandated to investigate alleged anomalous infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.

On Monday, the commission filed its initial referral before the Ombudsman in relation to the alleged irregularities on the flood control projects.

It recommended the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and other Department of Public Works and Highways officials over their alleged links to the P289.5 million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Co previously denied allegations against him.

“All I can tell you now is that the accusations being made against me are false. In due time, I will give my statements on the matter. At present, I can only stay silent to protect my family and myself. We are in grave danger,” Co said in his letter to Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III dated September 29. 

Co has resigned from his post as a member of the House of Representatives. —VAL, GMA Integrated News