ICI hands luxury cars to Ombudsman

THE GOVERNMENT’S anti-graft agency has taken custody of two luxury vehicles surrendered by a former Public Works official under investigation over the flood control mess.

The now-defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said in a statement on Tuesday that it turned over a black GMC Yukon Denali XL and a navy-blue Lamborghini Urus Performante to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The vehicles were surrendered in September 2025 by former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, following an inquiry into anomalous flood control projects. Mr. Hernandez is currently facing malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with a “ghost” flood control project in Bulacan.

ICI Executive Director Brian Keith F. Hosaka said the turnover follows the submission of the commission’s investigative findings to the Ombudsman in March.

“The commission is hopeful that the turnover of these vehicles will further aid the Office of the Ombudsman with its ongoing investigations, and also support its restitution initiatives for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Mr. Hosaka said in a letter received by Assistant Ombudsman Eliseo DC. Cruz. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking