FROM PORK BARREL TO FLOOD FUNDS: Jinggoy Estrada under fire again, along with Villanueva, other officials

National

ONCE again, corruption allegations have surfaced around Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, this time through the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s recommendation of plunder and bribery charges over Bulacan flood control projects.

Estrada’s career has previously been marked by arrests, convictions, and reversals in high-profile cases, including the 2014 pork barrel scandal and a 2024 bribery ruling later overturned.

The recommendation, submitted along with a 19-page interim report and extensive documentary evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman, also names Senator Joel Villanueva and four other public officials.

ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. personally delivered the documents, describing a scheme in which Bulacan’s first district engineering office allegedly funneled kickbacks from government-funded flood control projects.

Other officials cited in the report include former Ako Bicol congressman Zaldy Co, former Caloocan lawmaker Mitch Cajayon-Uy, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former audit commissioner Mario Lipana.

The report cites possible violations of Articles 210, 211, and 212 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as Sections 3(b) and (c) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In a Philstar report, Reyes said, “With this filing, we remain true to our commitment to the Filipino people,” adding that those found responsible will face consequences under the law.

The commission stressed that the report does not constitute proof of guilt, and liability rests with proper authorities.

According to the ICI, the alleged scheme began in 2021 when district engineers colluded with lawmakers to extract 10–30 percent kickbacks from contractors for flood control projects.

Project lists were compiled and transmitted through staff, with cash deliveries made directly to proponents’ homes. Flood control works were preferred because kickbacks were higher than other infrastructure projects, reaching up to 30 percent of the budget.

From 2022 to 2025, Bulacan’s first district engineering office reportedly received P6.86 billion in public works funding, a portion earmarked for legislators’ “obligations.”

Villanueva allegedly received a P150-million payoff for projects inserted into the 2023 budget, while Estrada’s “excess” allocations of P355 million were reportedly drafted in 15 minutes by staff in 2024.

Co was linked to 426 projects totaling P35.02 billion, with cash deliveries to his residences in Taguig and Pasig. Cajayon-Uy and Lipana were also implicated in requesting projects for personal or political purposes.

Estrada denied receiving funds for flood control projects, calling the allegations hearsay and vowing to defend himself in court.

Villanueva said he would await the ICI’s official referral to the Ombudsman before responding, with his lawyers preparing an answer once action is taken.(MyTVCebu)