NBI seeks charges against 3 senators, 21 others over flood control scam

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the prosecution of 21 people—including incumbent senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada—over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

In a statement Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the lawmakers, along with former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and several former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, were tagged in the NBI’s findings. All three incumbent senators have denied the allegations.

DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the charges may include violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery, and malversation.

“This recommendation stems directly from sworn testimonies of DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo,” the DOJ said, stressing that the accusations were backed by affidavits under oath.

Clavano added that the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service will conduct a “rigorous case build-up” and require the respondents to answer the allegations.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has sought Interpol’s help to locate Co, who has left the country and was last spotted in Spain. The DOJ has applied for a Blue Notice to track him down.

Clavano also disclosed that Marine Orly Guteza, Co’s reported security consultant and a witness in the Senate probe, failed to attend a scheduled DOJ evaluation. Lawmakers have since raised concerns about Guteza’s background, citing irregularities in his statement’s notarization and alleged links to personalities from the previous administration.