Manila, Philippines – Aside from former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co who faces multiple charges and arrest warrant over corruption allegations, more lawmakers are to be charged after being implicated in the flood control mess.
On Wednesday, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recommended before the Ombudsman the filing of charges against 7 more “cong-tractors” who owns or have links with construction companies who had contracts under government infra projects.
The cases possibly to be charged against these congressmen are plunder, graft, bribery, and conflict of interest over violation of Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Among the lawmakers recommended to be charged are:
• Construction Workers Solidarity Rep. Edwin Gardiola (Newington Builders Inc. or formerly Gardiola Construction, Lourel Development Corp., and S-Ang General Construction and Trading Inc.)
• Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James Ang Jr. (IBC International Builders Corp. and Allencon Development Corp.)
• Pusong Pinoy Rep. Jernie Nisay (JVN Construction and Trading)
• Bulacan Rep. Augustina Pancho (C.M. Pancho Construction Inc.)
• Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lara (JLL Pulsar Construction Corp.)
• Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas (Boometrix Development Corp.)
• Tarlac Rep. Noel Rivera (Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corp.)
ICI noted that these lawmakers have acquired over a thousand public work projects from 2016 to 2024, amounting to P92.28 billion.
ICI emphasized that congressmen cannot engage with private business activities that may pose conflict on their duties as public officials.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman has also requested before the Bureau of Immigration to issue a foreign travel restriction order against 77 government officials allegedly linked with the flood control anomaly.
On the other hand, 8 officials of DPWH-MIMAROPA who have been charged with graft cases have pleaded not guilty before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News