ICI defers referrals vs. 3 senators amid Bernardo's new affidavit

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has deferred the referrals it was seeking to file against three sitting or former senators over anomalous flood control projects, chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. said Wednesday.

Reyes said this is due to the supplemental affidavit of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

“We are re-evaluating everything because of the affidavit of Usec. Bernardo. So we’re studying that. So we will have a delay of maybe 10 days from last Friday,” Reyes said in a press briefing.

In his new affidavit, Bernardo implicated more individuals, including former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, as among those who received kickbacks in infrastructure projects.

Bernardo admitted facilitating alleged kickbacks for Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Mark Villar, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, former senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay, former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy, San Jose del Monte Mayor Rida Robes, and former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

The ICI earlier recommended the filing of complaints against Estrada and Senator Joel Villanueva.

Meanwhile, Reyes welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman’s filing of a case against former lawmaker Zaldy Co, several DPWH Region 4B officials, and Sunwest Corporation directors with the Sandiganbayan.

He said the filing is a “hard-earned victory” and a “triumphant step forward.”

“It shows that the machinery of law and due process is working as it should. This accomplishment is a triumph for the country and an encouragement to the employees of the ICI,” Reyes said.

Meanwhile, the ICI asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against an additional 17 government officials and contractors.

In a letter to the DOJ, ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. asked for the issuance of an ILBO on officers of the DPWH in the MIMAROPA region, and directors of the Sunwest corporation.

Reyes said this is in view of the case filed by the Ombudsman with the Sandiganbayan on November 18.

“Given the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing proceedings, their participation remains essential, and there is a reasonable possibility that they may attempt to leave the country while the cases are pending,” the letter said.

“The prompt issuance of an ILBO is therefore necessary to prevent potential obstruction, ensure continuity of the legal process, and uphold the orderly conduct of related investigations,” it added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News