ICI's Singson: 1,200 individuals criminally liable over flood control mess

At least 1,200 individuals could face criminal charges over the anomalous government flood control projects, Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rogelio "Babes" Singson said Friday.

Singson, a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief, said that about 15 individuals face charges for every anomalous flood control project, which are currently pegged at 80. In total, the number would reach 1,200.

"One ghost project will involve 15 [individuals to be charged]. We limited it to 80 projects done by notorious [top] contractors named by the President [Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos, Jr]," Singson said. 

"Eighty, multiply it by 15, do your math. I'm sorry to the Ombudsman, malulunod ka ng papeles at referrals," Singson added.

(I'm sorry to the Ombudsman, you will be drowning in documents and referrals.) 

In the same press conference, Singson said 64 personnel from the police and military have been deployed to gather intelligence on anomalous flood control projects built by the top contractors of flood control projects as disclosed by the Chief Executive. 

"We're expecting additional documents coming from the joint AFP-PNP ground troops who are on the ground. Next week, dadagsa po 'yan (Next week, we expect more to come)," Singson said.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has filed malversation and two counts of graft charges against former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, former DPWH officials and Sunwest Construction directors in connection with the P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. 

These charges are the first criminal charges filed against those alleged to be liable over the flood control mess.

Co's camp has said the filing of charges is not surprising because the Ombudsman already prejudged him "since Day 1."

Also on Friday, the ICI and DPWH recommended to the Ombudsman the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery charges against resigned Co, and Leyte 1st District Representative and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said their recommendation covers around P100 billion worth of government contracts that Co-linked construction firms Sunwest Corporation and Hi Tone Construction secured from 2016 to 2025. — VDV, GMA Integrated News