DOJ recommends plunder, graft cases vs Estrada, Bonoan over flood control mess

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing of plunder and graft cases against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan over alleged flood control corruption.

The Office of the Ombudsman, on Monday, May 18, confirmed that it has received the DOJ’s resolution recommending the filing of cases against the two.

The recommended cases also include direct bribery and receiving gifts by public officers under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code, and corruption of public officials under Article 212.

Estrada and Bonoan are already barred from leaving the country after the DOJ secured a precautionary hold departure order against them in February.

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Apart from Estrada and Bonoan, the DOJ also recommended cases against certain officials of the DPWH.

But the justice department dropped the complaints against former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former district engineer Henry Alcantara, and former regional director Gerard Opulencia, since they are already state witnesses.

The late DPWH undersecretary Cathy Cabral was also removed as a respondent due to her death.

According to the Ombudsman, the DOJ probe centered on allegations that “multiple high-ranking public officials and private individuals conspired to maneuver allocations, rig public bidding processes, and siphon government funds stemming from major national infrastructure budget systems.”

“The preliminary investigation accumulated exhaustive evidence, including legislative records, Position Description Forms, and sworn transcripts from the Senate blue ribbon committee hearings held on November 14, 2025, which detailed illicit maneuvers and alleged 30% cuts surrounding regional flood control projects,” the investigative body said.

It’s important to note that the DOJ only made its recommendation to the Ombudsman, which means the matter has yet to reach a court. It would be the Ombudsman who would file the charges in court, if it agrees with the position of the justice department.

“Moving forward, the next step will be to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct its own independent review and resolution on the merits of the case. The possible outcomes of the office’s independent evaluation include affirming the findings of the Department of Justice, amending the resolution, or reversing the findings altogether,” the Ombudsman said.

As of writing, only a few flood control cases have reached the courts.

Those cases include that of former senator Bong Revilla, former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, and some former DPWH officials which are pending with the Sandiganbayan, and contractor Sarah Discaya’s case before the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court in Cebu. – Rappler.com