The corruption of Philippine flood control projects

O

n July 22, 2024, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., in his third State of the Nation Address, highlighted the completion of 5,500 flood control projects and the construction of similar infrastructure nationwide, amid the expected heavy rains caused by La Niña at the time.

More than a year later on July 28, 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 31 people had died due to the effects of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the rain-inducing Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. 

A total of 6,276,280 people, or 1,751,776 families, were affected by the bad weather in all regions except Eastern Visayas. 

In the afternoon of that day, Marcos, in his fourth State of the Nation Address, shamed government officials and private contractors who had conspired to defraud Filipinos of more than a trillion pesos in flood control funds and life-saving infrastructure, including dikes, revetments, dams, and spillways.

Shame on you, he said.

''Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kababayan nating naanod o nalubog sa pagbaha. Mahiya naman kayo lalo na sa mga anak natin na magmamana ng utang nung ibinulsa ninyo ang pera,'' Marcos said.

(You should be ashamed of our people who were washed away or submerged in the floods. You should be ashamed, especially of our children who will inherit the debt with the money you stole.)

15 contractors, P100 billion

Two weeks later, on Aug. 11, Marcos disclosed in a presentation that there have been 9,855 flood control projects from July 2022, at the start of his administration, to May 2025. 

He said these are worth P545.64 billion and that 15 contractors cornered around over P100 billion of the projects.

The top contractors, Marcos said, were the following:

1. Legacy Construction Corporation
2. Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp.
3. St. Timothy Construction Corporation
4. QM Builders
5. EGB Construction Corporation
6. Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
7. Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
8. Sunwest, Inc.
9. Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.
10. Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.
11. Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.
12. Wawao Builders
13. Samidan Construction
14. L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.
15. Road Edge Trading & Development Services

Arrests after four months

Some four months later on Nov. 18, the Ombudsman filed with the Sandiganbayan the first charges in connection with the flood control scandal. The raps were in connection with the substandard P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro—a dike that had three-meter sheet piles instead of 12-meter steel as per its design.

The corruption and malversation of public funds raps were filed against former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and several others, including dismissed officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region in the MIMAROPA region, and directors of construction firm Sunwest Corporation, a firm owned by the former lawmaker's family members.

On Nov. 21, Marcos announced that warrants of arrest had been issued against Co and his co-accused, and ordered law enforcement agencies to go after them.

On Nov. 24, former DPWH officials, who have been arrested in connection with the Naujan flood control scandal, were detained at the Quezon City Jail.

They are:

• Gerald Pacanan, DPWH regional director
• Gene Ryan Altea, DPWH assistant regional director
• Ruben D.S. Santos, DPWH assistant regional director
• Dominic Serrano, DPWH construction division chief and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairperson
• Dennis Abagon, DPWH OIC-chief, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division, BAC regular member
• Felisardo Casuno, DPWH project engineer III

The other accused, accountant Lerma Cayco, was committed to the female dormitory of Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

Juliet Calvo was able to post bail as she was not among those initially charged for malversation of public funds. She posted a P90,000 bail for the corruption charge. She was re-arrested after Ombudsman prosecutors amended the charges against her to include malversation of public funds.

The accused, already in custody, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them on Nov. 27 before the Sandiganbayan.

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla has said that Co was last spotted in Japan. The official said Co is believed to be traveling with another passport.

An Interpol blue notice has been issued for the collection of additional information about Co's location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation. 

 

O

n August 11, 2025, President Marcos Jr. launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website, urging the public to report any nonoperational or anomalous flood control projects.

The website contains a list of some 9,000 flood control projects undertaken in the past three years, including project name, approved budget, contract cost, legislative district, contractor, exact location, start date, funding year, and completion date.

It also has an interactive map for locating projects. Projects are categorized by year of completion using color coding, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

Among others, an analysis of the "sumbong" website would show which provinces had the largest number of flood control projects and the biggest funding for such infrastructure.

Bulacan, which is often flooded when heavy rains pour and which would figure prominently in the investigation of flood control projects, is the top province both in terms of the number of flood control projects and in terms of how much money was spent for these.

 

There are 1,058 flood control projects in the National Capital Region under the Marcos administration.

According to the sumbongsapangulo.ph website, the total cost of the projects is P52.66 billion.

 

 

T

he President's speech and the website of flood control projects spawned investigations in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives.

It was before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee then chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Aug. 19 that then-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that he thought there were ghost projects in Bulacan.

On Aug. 31, Malacañang announced Bonoan's resignation. He was replaced by the then-Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who asked DPWH officials to tender their courtesy resignations.

The following day, on Sept. 1, the Discaya spouses—Curlee and Sarah—attended their first congressional inquiry related to the flood control projects.

They own Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation, which both figured on the list of top flood control contractors that Marcos bared.

Sarah said that they started bidding for DPWH projects in 2012 and engaged in flood control structures beginning in 2016. She denied their companies were involved in ghost projects

According to Discaya, Alpha & Omega joined the bidding for 491 projects in 2022, and secured only 71 projects. She admitted owning 28 luxury cars, such as a Rolls-Royce, Cadillacs, a Maybach, and Range Rovers.

'BGC Boys'

In a privileged speech on Sept. 9, Senator Panfilo Lacson said that erstwhile engineers of the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office often played in casinos in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga, cashing in billions from 2023 to 2025 in what could be a money laundering scheme.

Lacson identified the DPWH engineers as former Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara, former  district assistant engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, construction division chief Jaypee Mendoza, DPWH engineer II Arjay Domasig, and contractor Edrick San Diego.

Also on Sept. 9, before the House Committee on Infrastructure, Hernandez claimed that Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva were involved in collecting kickbacks from flood control projects.

Both senators have repeatedly and vehemently denied the narrative that they collected as much as 30% in kickbacks from the government's flood control projects.

Hernandez also named Alcantara and DPWH Undersecretary Robert Bernardo as those in on the scheme.

 

It was during the hearing before the House committee that Hernandez showed a photo of the bundles of cash. He said that the funds were being segregated for distribution to project "proponents."

One photo even showed stacks of P1,000 bills that filled what looked like an entire billiard table, and an adjacent furniture.

 

On Sept. 12, Dizon announced on "Unang Hirit" the dismissal from the DPWH of Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza.

The hearings of the House committee were suspended to give way to the investigation that was going to be done by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure created by Marcos through Executive Order No. 94.

 

E

stablished on Sept.11, the ICI is mandated to investigate alleged irregularities, misuse of funds, anomalies and corruption in flood-control and other infrastructure projects implemented over the past several years.

According to the EO, the body shall, on complaint or motu propio, hear, investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information, against all government officials and employees, and any other individual, involved in anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds in the planning, financing, and implementation of government flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide.

The ICI shall prioritize the investigation of flood control and other infrastructure projects within the last ten years from the effectivity of the EO. 

Malacañang on Sept. 13 revealed the members of the ICI.

Assigned as commission members were former Public Works secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson and Rossana Fajardo, country managing partner at auditing firm SGV and Co.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, was named special adviser.

On Sept. 15, Marcos named former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairman of the commission.

It conducted its first hearing on September 19, and has submitted referrals to the Office of the Ombudsman on Sept. 29, Oct. 29, Nov. 4, 6, 13, and 21.

Reyes announced to the Senate Committee on Justice on October 23 that the commission would livestream its proceedings the following week, only to take it back the next day by saying the commission had yet to draft its rules and procedures before it could commence live streaming.

“It would take some time,” he said, saying they needed to review how other courts were doing it.

But Reyes did offer a glimpse of what the ICI has so far discovered.

“The project is sold down the line. Somebody up will sell the project, and they select the engineer and the contractor. Everybody happy,” he said, referring to flood control projects.

“We will make sure that our evidence is based on a fair assessment. We will observe due process. We will prosecute and not persecute,” he added.

Parallel investigations are being conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman, greatly aided by the recommendations from the ICI.

On November 18, 2025, it filed the first batch of cases related to the flood control mess before the Sandigan anti-graft court.  

The graft and malversation charges against Co and several others were in connection with the alleged anomalous P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Since September, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has been looking into the financial transactions of contractors linked to the ongoing probe into the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

“As part of its mandate, the AMLC is examining financial transactions of those potentially linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects,” AMLC Executive Director Matthew David told GMA News Online.

“Corruption, tax evasion and smuggling are predicate offenses under the AMLA, as amended,” David added

As of November 26, the AMLC announced that it secured additional freeze orders for the P3.9 billion assets of a high-ranking official from an independent constitutional body and a former official over anomalous flood control projects.

According to the AMLC, the freeze order covered 230 bank accounts, 15 insurance policies, two helicopters, and one airplane.

It said these were linked to violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Malversation of Public Funds and Property.

The flood control corruption scandal has triggered massive protests from many sectors of society.

As a sequel to the September 21 rallies, another big mobilization is scheduled on Sunday, November 30 at the People Power Monument on EDSA in Quezon City and at Luneta and Mendiola in Manila.

Outraged demonstrators are demanding accountability: put to jail the corrupt, return stolen people’s money, and reform the system.

TIMELINE: The flood control scandal

July 28, 2025: In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the audit of flood control projects under his administration while condemning the corruption that has led to the suffering of the people due to persistent flash floods during periods of heavy rains.

August 11, 2025: President Marcos Jr. launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website urging the public to report any nonoperational or anomalous flood control projects. 

The website contains a list of around 9,000 flood control projects undertaken in the past three years, including project name, approved budget, contract cost, legislative district, contractor, exact location, start date, funding year, and completion date. It also has an interactive map for locating projects. Projects are categorized by year of completion using color coding. 

August 12, 2025: Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero admits receiving a P30 M campaign contribution in 2022 from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc., one of the 15 contractors that bagged 20% of all flood control projects nationwide from 2022-2025. 

August 15, 2025: President Marcos Jr. visited two flood control projects in Calumpit, Bulacan–Brgy. Bulusan and Brgy. Frances.

In Brgy. Frances, President Marcos Jr. discovered flood protection structures that did not conform to specifications, including cement layers that were significantly thinner than the mandated eight inches.

August 16, 2025: Over the weekend, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor expressed his dismay over damaged dikes in the province he inspected. hit by floods due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and the consecutive storms last month, even as these were put up fairly recently.

He also inspected another flood control project in Barangay Tagumpay in Naujan, which he said cost P1 billion for one kilometer, noting that he only saw one piece of metal rod, a waste of funds when compared with the Capitol, with a P2-billion budget for a year.

He also looked at another flood control project in Barangay Tagumpay in Naujan, which he mentioned cost P1 billion for just one kilometer. He pointed out that he only saw one metal rod, which he deemed a waste of funds compared to the province's P2-billion budget for a year.

August 19, 2025: The Senate blue ribbon committee began its probe into the country's flood control projects.

August 20, 2025: President Marcos Jr. visited a reinforced concrete river wall project in Brgy. Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan worth P55.7 million, which was found to be non-existent. (PTV News, PCO, GNO)

Sen. Panfilo Lacson delivered his privilege speech “Flooded Gates of Corruption." He revealed the pie-sharing scheme among legislators, auditor, engineers and contractors of the flood control projects. 

Lacson tagged the first engineering district of Bulacan as most notorious when it comes to anomalies in flood control projects. “Sa Bulacan 1st Engineering District na pinamumunuan ng magkasunod na tinanggal sa pwesto na sina dating District Engineer Henry Alcantara, at ang pumalit sa kanya na si Brice Hernandez, napag-alaman naming talamak ang ganitong kalakaran. Bakit? Sapagkat ayon sa mga contractors at DPWH officials na nakipag-usap mismo sa akin at aking staff, ang dalawang ito ay halos pareho lang ang pagmamahal sa pera. Napabalita pa nga kamakailan na ang isa sa kanila ay nakakapagpatalo ng daang milyon sa isang casino dito sa Maynila," he said in his privilege speech. Lacson claimed that in 2024, there were 28 na projects each worth 72 million, an indication of possible corruption.  

The House of Representatives adopted a resolution authorizing three House committees (Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Public Works and Highways, and Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability), collectively referred to as the Infra Comm, to conduct a joint inquiry on the implementation of flood control projects. (HR00145)

August 21, 2025: Oriental Mindoro Governor Dolor says a flood control project in Barangay Apitong, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which was funded three times in 2024, was never built. 

August 22, 2025: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Abelardo Calalo was arrested in Taal, Batangas, for reportedly attempting to bribe Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste over P3.1 million to stop the lawmaker’s investigation of the supposed irregularities in the province’s infrastructure projects.

August 27, 2025: In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos Jr. has ordered lifestyle checks on government officials. 

August 31, 2025: Malacañang announces President Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan (effective September 1) and has named Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Vince Dizon as his replacement. (PCO)

September 1, 2025: Senate conducts a hearing on flood control anomalies.

Sara Discaya attends the Senate hearing; admitted to owning nine construction companies 

PCAB revokes the contractors’ licenses of nine companies linked to the Discayas 

September 2, 2025: House Tri-Committee first hearing

Centerways Construction and Development Inc. President Lawrence Lubiano confirms giving a P30 million donation, which he claimed came from his own pocket, to Senate President Escudero’s campaign in 2022.

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) executed a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court of Manila Branch 18 against the Discayas, particularly their 12 luxury vehicles, at their residence in Pasig City. Earlier in the day, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said only two out of the 12 cars were found inside the compound of St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation where the owners/contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya reside: a Maserati Levante Modena 2022 and a Toyota Land Cruiser 3.3 V6 ZX A/T SUV 2024, as well as an Escalade, which is not in the search warrant.

By evening, the BOC confirmed that seven of the remaining vehicles had surrendered to the BOC and were secured at St. Gerrard’s compound: 

According to the BOC, it will continue to verify the importation records of the vehicles to check compliance with customs laws. Appropriate enforcement and legal actions will be undertaken pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) should there be discrepancies. (PNA, BOC Press Release)  

During the Senate Committee on Finance briefing with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the economy lost about P42.3 billion to P118.5 billion to "ghost" flood control projects from 2023 to 2025. The economic cost is equivalent to 95,000 to 266,000 jobs. (GNO)

September 3, 2025: BoC raids Discayas’ compound and seize vehicles (pending details) 

Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Mico Clavano said Sec. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has signed the initial batch of immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBOs) as requested by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that 35 individuals were covered by the order.

September 4, 2025: Several groups protest outside St. Gerrard

In an ambush interview, DPWH Sec. Dizon said former Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara has been dismissed from service. Dizon said he will call for Alcantara’s summary dismissal and will ask DPWH Legal Service to recommend filing of charges against the latter. 

DOJ issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against 43 individuals. (GNO, Inquirer)

September 5, 2025: DPWH Batangas 1st District Engr. Calalo submitted his counter-affidavit, denying the graft and corruption charges filed against him by Rep. Leviste. (GNO)

In a statement, DPWH Sec. Dizon said ex-Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara is guilty of the following: disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines, grave misconduct, and gross neglect in the performance of duty. Alcantara has also been found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, in accordance with Sections 63 (A)(1)(d), (f), (h), and A(2)(a), Rule 10 of the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service. 

September 6, 2025: Navotas City Lone District Rep. Toby Tiangco urged Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, former chair of the House appropriations panel, to answer allegations linking him to budget insertions and clarify his ties with Sunwest Inc.

September 8, 2025: Senate hearing (transcript) 

In a letter to Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Rodante Marcoleta pushed to place the couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya under the Witness Protection Program (WPP). 

Sen. Vicente Sotto III replaced Sen. Chiz Escudero as Senate President

September 9, 2025: 2nd Tri-Comm hearing

During this hearing, former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez revealed the alleged involvement of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Joel Villanueva in the flood control mess in his district.  Hernandez alleged that Sen Estrada “downloaded” 7 flood control projects worth P355 million in 2025. Hernandez presented photos of Sen. Estrada with his former boss Engr. Henry Alcantara.  Hernandez alleged that Villanueva “downloaded” 8 flood control projects worth P600 million, with each project costing P75 million, in 2023.  

During the hearing, Hernandez was allowed to flash photos of piles of cash in their “tambayan”, which he claimed they delivered to proponents of flood control projects.  

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said former Bulacan First District engineer Brice Hernandez will be detained at the PNP Custodial Center while remaining strictly under the supervision of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

September 10, 2025: Former Bulacan First District engineer Brice Hernandez was transferred to the Pasay City Jail. 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended the driver’s licenses of dismissed Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Edrick San Diego, and Arjay Domasig tagged as "BGC Boys" or Bulacan Group of Contractors in casino circles. The LTO said the suspension was "for alleged willful misrepresentation of material information in application for a Driver's License (Republic Act 10930) and Imitation and False Representation (Sec. 31 of Republic Act 4136)." 

September 11, 2025: Malacañang issued Executive Order No. 94 creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years.

The camp of former Bulacan First District engineer Brice Hernandez sought a writ of amparo from Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 following his transfer to the Pasay City Jail. (GNO)

Comelec issued a show-cause order against Lawrence Lubiano over Escudero’s donation asking him to explain his campaign donation to Sen. Chiz Escudero in 2022 and why he should not be charged with an election offense for violating Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). Under this rule, contractors engaged in government projects are prohibited from contributing funds to candidates. 

DPWH led by Sec. Vince Dizon led the filing of graft complaints against 20 officials of the agency and four contractors including St. Timothy Construction Corporation, represented by Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya as the beneficial owner, and former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara, and former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

Other contractors charged are SYMS Construction Trading, represented by Sally Santos; Wawao Builders, represented by Mark Allan Arevalo, and IM Construction Corporation, represented by Roberto Imperio.

September 12, 2025: In an interview with GMA-7’s Unang Balita, Sec. Dizon said former Bulacan first district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza have been dismissed from the DPWH. 

Black Friday protests

September 13, 2025: Malacañang announced the appointment of former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as members of the ICI. The President also named Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as Special Adviser who will act as an investigator of the Commission. 

September 15, 2025: Through Administrative Case No. OSEC-05-2025, DPWH formally dismissed former Bulacan First District Engineering Office assistant district engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, former assistant district engineer and Construction Section chief Jaypee D. Mendoza, and Accountant II Juanito C. Mendoza. The three were found guilty as charged of Disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines and to the Filipino People, Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect in the Performance of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Interest of Service.

Those dismissed from service were imposed a perpetual disqualification to hold public office. According to the decision, the dismissal is “without prejudice to the filing of separate civil or criminal charges.” (DPWH)

Brice Hernandez was placed back in Senate detention following his transfer from the Pasay City Jail after his camp filed a writ of amparo before the court. 

National Unity Party (NUP) press conference 

President Marcos explained why he chose Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as ICI adviser. He pointed out Magalong’s role as an investigator of the Mamasapano incident in 2015 and that he can contribute significantly to the investigation. (GNO)

President Marcos Jr. named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the ICI.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva said they are willing to open their bank accounts to prove they did not receive kickbacks from flood control projects. 

September 16, 2025: DOTr filed complaints against Alcantara and Hernandez, tagged as the BGC Boys for alleged violation of Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code or the falsification of documents in connection with their earlier admission during a Senate hearing that they used fake licenses to enter casinos. 

In addition, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has perpetually cancelled the driver’s licenses of both Alcantara and Hernandez for using fake licenses. Similar cases are being prepared against other members of the BGC Boys, such as Arjay Domasig and Jaypee Mendoza. 

DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon announced that the bank accounts of those involved in the flood control controversy in Bulacan were already ordered “freeze.”

September 17, 2025: Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III replaced Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as House Speaker 

September 18, 2025: DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon said he accepted the resignation of Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Cabral submitted her resignation two days ago. 

ICI inspection of ghost projects in Quezon City 

Senate hearing. Panel cites Alcantara in contempt

September 19, 2025: AMLC secured second freeze order from the Court of Appeals

ICI conducted its first hearing

Brice Hernandez surrendered his GMC Yukon Denali to the ICI

September 22, 2025: In his first press conference as the new House Speaker, Bojie Dy said it would be better if the House probe on flood control projects will be passed on to the ICI. 

September 23, 2025: Senate hearing

Former senator Grace Poe, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Navotas Lone District Toby Tiangco appeared before the ICI. 

Poe, former chairman of the Senate finance panel, was invited to shed light on the budget process. She denied having participated in a small committee where alleged anomalous budget insertions were made.

The Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ICI, advocating for accountability against government officials and lawmakers who collude with private contractors to secure multi-billion peso contracts intended for flood control. 

According to the agreement, both groups will work together to investigate irregularities and deficiencies in projects managed by the DPWH and to submit recommendations. M4GG also urges other mayors to support ICI in multiple ways, including participating in joint site inspections and crowd-sourcing initiatives.

September 24, 2025: Brice Hernandez surrendered his Lamborghini Urus to the ICI

President Marcos appointed former Supreme Court spokesperson and commissioner of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka.

The Infra Comm announced that it is suspending its proceedings to give way to the ICI's proceedings. All transcripts, documents, and other pieces of information and evidence that the Infra Comm gathered would be turned over to the ICI

September 25, 2025: Senate hearing (transcript)

Justice Secretary Remulla says the DOJ has asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the assets of Sen. Francis Escudero, former Sen. Nancy Binay based on NBI complaint; to work on a freeze order on former Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

September 26, 2025: Sally Santos of SYMS Construction Trading went to the DOJ for the assessment for the Witness Protection Program. 

DOJ released the list of those recommended for case build-up.

September 27, 2025: Magalong resigns as ICI adviser. (PhilStar, Inquirer)

September 29, 2025: Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co resigns as representative of the party-list group. 

ICI submitted an initial report to the Office of the Ombudsman recommending filing of charges against Co and several DPWH officials. The case involves alleged irregularities in a ?290-million flood control project in Mindoro. 

A lawyer-complainant has filed an ethics complaint against Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero before the Senate Committee on Ethics against over the P30-million campaign donation he received in 2022 from contractor Lawrence Lubiano. 

September 30, 2025: AMLC secures third freeze order

October 3, 2025: DPWH Sec. Dizon requested the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to revoke the licenses of 20 DPWH personnel who had previously been slapped with corruption complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman. Dizon turned over the pieces of evidence for the revocation of professional licenses of engineers, accountants, and architects, including sacked Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara, and former assistant district engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza to PRC Chairman Charito Zamora. 

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) confirmed that it has received referrals from the DPWH regarding the “alleged anti-competitive conduct in the procurement of a flood control project.” The referrals pertain to possible violations of Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act involving St. Timothy Construction Corp., Wawao Builders, IM Construction Corp., SYMS Construction Trading, and officials and employees of the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and also Sunwest, Inc., and officials and employees of the DPWH Regional Office IV-B. The referrals include inspection reports, bid documents, and other relevant documents that may support the PCC Competition Enforcement Office’s (CEO) ongoing preliminary inquiry into possible bid-rigging and collusion among contractors. CEO Director Christian Loren De Los Santos stated that the Commission is currently gathering evidence, including bid submissions and possible communication exchanges, to determine whether violations of the PCA occurred. 

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secures the fourth freeze order from the Court of Appeals (CA) in the flood control probe.

October 6, 2025: In a media advisory, said he will file a perjury complaint against former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez over his allegations that he is involved in anomalous flood control projects. (GNO)

October 7, 2025: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada files perjury complaint vs. Engr. Brice Harnandez.

Hearing for the Discayas is reset after the couple asked the ICI for more time to collate documents.

Sen. Mark Villar appeared before the ICI. 

The ICI said it is considering summoning the chiefs of Bureau of Customs and LTO in its investigation into the luxury vehicles of the Discayas.

ICI Spokesperson Atty. Brian Hosaka denied a claim that a member of the commission wants to resign. 

October 8, 2025  BIR files tax evasion complaints against the Discayas before the DOJ for more than P7.1 billion in tax liabilities from 2018 to 2021.

ICI requested the DOJ to issue immigration lookout bulletin (ILBO) vs the following:

• Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez 
• Sen. Francis Joseph "Chiz" Escudero
• Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Ejercito Estrada
• Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.
• Makati City Mayor Maria Lourdes Binay Angeles
• COA Commissioner Mario G. Lipana
• Marilou Laurio-Lipana
• Undersecretary Trygve L. Olaivar
• Carlene Villa
• Maynard Ngu
• Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo
• USWAG Ilonggo Partylist Rep. James "Jojo" Ang
• Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael "PM" Vargas
• Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde
• AGAP Partylist Rep. Nicanor "Nikki" Briones
• Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro
• former City of San Jose del Monte Lone District Rep. Florida "Rida" Robes
• Romblon Lone District Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
• Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin "Benjie" Agarao
• former An Waray Partylist Rep. Florencio Gabriel "Bem" Noel
• Occidental Mindoro Lone District Rep. Leody "Ode" Tarriela
• Quezon 3rd District Rep. Reynante "Reynan" Arrogancia
• former Quezon City 4th District Rep. Marvin Rillo
• Rep. Teodorico "Teodoro" Haresco, Jr.
• former Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd District Rep. Antonieta Eudela
• Caloocan City 3rd District Rep. Dean Asistio
• Quezon City 6th District Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar
• District Engr. Loida Busa
• "Bogs" Magalong
• District Engr. Ramon Devanadesa
• District Engr. Johnny Protesta, Jr.
• District Engr. Arturo Gonzales Jr.

BI received the ILBO from DOJ (GNO) 

ICI issues invitation to Rep. Martin Romualdez; subpoena to Zaldy Co

AMLC secures fifth freeze order (see FCPs: Freeze orders) 

October 10, 2025: AMLC secured sixth freeze order

October 13, 2025: ICI says there are at least 15 complaints that will be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in the next 2-3 weeks.

October 14, 2025: Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez appears before the ICI. 

October 15, 2025: Henry Alcantara brought to the hospital 

Discayas appear before the ICI; Spokesperson Atty. Brian Hosaka said they will no longer cooperate in ICI’s probe 

October 17, 2025: Rep. Toby Tiangco faces the ICI 

Curlee Discaya’s lawyer, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, confirmed to GMA News Online that Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 498 junked the former’s petition for habeas corpus saying there’s no sufficient evidence to prove grave abuse of discretion in placing him in the custody of the Senate.

DPWH Undersecretary Arrey Perez resigned from his post. 

October 18, 2025: Romualdez asks ICI to postpone Oct. 22 hearing due to medical procedure

October 20, 2025: Sen. Joel Villanueva attends the Senate Finance Subcommittee A hearing

October 22, 2025: ICI announces livestreaming of hearing to begin the following week. 

October 22, 2025: Fire hits DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards building along NIA Road, Quezon City. Citing initial report of the BFP, DPWH said the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the ceiling of the Records section on the building's third floor. No documents related to the flood control investigations were affected, according to DPWH. (DPWH)

October 23, 2025: AMLC said frozen assets related to flood control total to about P5.2 billion. AMLC said about 2,000 bank accounts have been frozen so far. (DPWH)

October 23, 2025: The DPWH, led by Sec. Vince Dizon, filed graft and malversation through falsification of documents complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against 20 government officials and two contractors over alleged irregularities in flood control projects in La Union and Davao Occidental. The case involved two flood control projects in La Union, each costing P89.7 million, which were recently inspected by Dizon. The projects were awarded to Silverwolves Corporation.  

In a press conference, Ombudsman Remulla tagged Benguet Rep. Erip Yap as a "person of interest" in connection with the projects built by Silverwolves Construction. Remulla said Yap is the beneficial owner of Silverwolves. Remulla also said that Yap's brother Edvic, former representative of the ACT-CIS party-list and 6th District Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto received money through bank transfers from the Discayas. 

October 27, 2025: The ICI clarified that they will need to come up with hearing livestreaming rules first and that livestream could begin by the following month.

October 30, 2025 (reported on November 3, 2025): A San Juan court has denied Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s preliminary request for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) against former Bulacan first district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez 

October 29, 2025: ICI recommends the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the following: Former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo, Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy.

CAAP announced that at least three of Zaldy Co’s air assets are no longer in the Philippines.  During the following day,  CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario said the aircraft flew outside the country on separate dates before cases were filed.  

November 3, 2025: Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said the DOJ had issued subpoena last week against the respondents in the complaints involving five ghost flood control projects in Bulacan for the conduct of the preliminary investigation. 

November 4, 2025: ICI asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate former DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan and former DPWH undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Catalina Cabral for violation of code of conduct and ethical standards in connection with the flood control projects.

November 5, 2025: AMLC secures 7th freeze order

November 6, 2025: The ICI has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former DPWH officials, including former secretary Manuel Bonoan, over alleged anomalies in the P95 million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan, namely the slope protection structure and waterways in Brgy. Bambang which was constructed by the joint venture of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. and Beam Team Developer Specialist Inc.

DTI withdrew formal charges and lifted sanctions against top 16 contractors allegedly involved in flood control projects to make way for PCAB.  

November 13, 2025: The ICI released its 5th interim report, recommending the filing of charges against former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan and others over a P74-million ghost flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan before the Office of the Ombudsman. 

The project, which was implemented by the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office through contractor Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading, involved the construction of a riverbank protection structure at Brgy. Carillo in Hagonoy, Bulacan “that was never implemented, despite the unwarranted release and full payment of the contract cost,” according to the ICI, citing the results of a technical inspection by the Commission on Audit (COA).

The ICI also stated it will recommend that the Ombudsman make an assessment if any potential violations were committed by DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, Jolo Mari Tayao, John Michael Ramos, and Lemuel Ephraim Roque, as well as Darcy Kimel D. Respecio of Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading. 

Charges for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation and Falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code, Presidential Decree 1759, and the Government Procurement Reform Act are being eyed by the ICI. 

November 14, 2025: Senate hearing

November 18, 2025: The Ombudsman filed before the Sandiganbayan charges of graft and malversation of public funds against Co, several DPWH MIMAROPA officials, and Sunwest, Inc. directors over anomalies involving the P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. 

November 21, 2025: The Sandiganbayan issued warrants of arrest against Co and several others accused in criminal cases SB-25-CRM-0039, SB-25-CRM-0040, and SB-25-CRM-0041. (Sandiganbayan)

November 23, 2025: NBI agents arrested Engr. Dennis Pelo Abagon, OIC-Chief, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division of DPWH MIMAROPA, in Quezon City. (NBI)

November 26, 2025: The joint referral of ICI and DPWH referred to the Office of the Ombudsman information on former Rep. Zaldy Co and seven incumbent House representatives with links to contractors that bagged DPWH infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024. Among the possible charges cited in the referral were plunder, graft, direct bribery, and violations of RA 6713, RA 9184, and Article VI, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

November 27, 2025: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed tax evasion complaints against SYMS Construction Trading proprietor Sally Santos and IM Construction Corporation president Robert Imperio with the DOJ.

Eight accused in the flood control controversy in Oriental Mindoro pleaded not guilty during the arraignment of their graft case before the Sandiganbayan’s 7th Division: 

The arraignment of DPWH Chief Maintenance Division Juliet Calvo has been rescheduled to December 2 after she failed to appear on this day.  

The pre-conference for the graft case are set on January 9, 19, and 26; as well as February 5, 12, 19, and 26 in 2026. 

The 6th Division of the anti-graft court scheduled the arraignment for the same accused in the malversation case on December 2. 

November 28, 2025: Dismissed Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara returned P110 million to the nation’s coffers, according to Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.—NB/KG/LDF, GMA Integrated News/GMA Integrated News Research