Romualdez not in list of lawmakers recommended for plunder raps by ICI

In a stunning twist to the country’s widening flood control scandal, former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was noticeably excluded from the list of public officials recommended for plunder charges by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).

The commission, chaired by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., announced last week that it has endorsed the filing of criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against several high-ranking officials, including Senators Joel Villanueva and Jose “Jinggoy Estrada” Ejercito Jr., former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, and former Caloocan 2nd District Congresswoman Mary Mitzi “Mitch” Cajayon-Uy.

Also facing possible charges are Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

According to Reyes, the officials were allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects that were either substandard, overpriced, or entirely non-existent — dubbed as “ghost projects.” The findings came on the 44th day of the ICI’s probe, which has exposed layers of irregularities that have rocked the bureaucracy under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Citing sworn statements and affidavits from witnesses, Reyes said the implicated officials “obtained bribes, kickbacks, or other undeserved monetary benefits” from contractors of these questionable infrastructure projects.

“We will be submitting our interim report and recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman,” Reyes said during a press briefing. “We have recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against those found to have violated the law.”

The commission said the respondents may be held liable for direct or indirect bribery and corruption of public officials under the Revised Penal Code, corruption under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and plunder under Republic Act 7080.

Reyes vowed that the probe will spare no one. “Politicians and government officials will be investigated and charged based on credible evidence,” he said. “Those responsible will face the consequences under the rule of law. Crime does not pay.”

However, the omission of Romualdez — the President’s cousin and a key political ally — from the list of those recommended for prosecution has sparked public criticism and speculation.

Some observers suspect the investigation may be limited to a “select few,” while rumors swirl that Romualdez is being considered as a potential state witness in the unfolding scandal.

Reyes, for his part, said the commission will “continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads,” promising that “justice will not be delayed this time.” TRACY CABRERA