ICI recommends filing of charges vs Bong Revilla, Maynard Ngu, 8 others

MANILA, Philippines – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against former senator Bong Revilla, Maynard Ngu — alleged bagman of Senator Chiz Escudero — and eight others.

Also included in the recommendation are:

• Carleen Villa, staff of former senator and now Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay
• Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) NCR Regional Director Gerard Opulencia
• DPWH South Manila District Engineer Manny Bulusan
• DPWH official Ruel Umali
• DPWH Mimaropa Regional Director Gene Ryan Alurin Altea
• J.Y. dela Rosa
• Mrs. Patron
• Carlo Aguilar

ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes said in a press briefing on Wednesday, December 3, that the testimony of former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo was used as a basis for the commission’s recommendation to the Office of Ombudsman.

Direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder, and administrative sanctions were among the recommended charges of the ICI. The recommendation was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday.

In their testimony in the Senate, Bernardo and dismissed Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara named several individuals involved in the flood control project corruption.

Dela Rosa was earlier tagged by Bernardo as former senator Grace Poe’s staff. Bernardo alleged that Dela Rosa serves as a bridge between Poe and DPWH. Rappler has asked the ICI for the full names of Dela Rosa and Mrs. Patron. This story will be updated once the information becomes available.

Meanwhile, Carlo Aguilar is affiliated to the Aguilar and Villar dynasties of Las Piñas. He is the son of former senator Cynthia Villar’s brother, Christian. Aguilar’s cousin is former DPWH secretary and now Senator Mark Villar and Senator Camille Villar.

Rappler’s investigative report showed that Motiontrade Development Corporation, which is owned by Carlo and Christian, cornered over P2.8 billion worth of DPWH contracts from 2023 to 2025.

The ICI also referred senators Escudero and Mark Villar, as well as former senators Poe and Binay, to the Ombudsman for “further investigative review and case buildup.”

The commission added that new evidence that “may possibly lead to more charges” has emerged against former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, Bernardo, former congressman Zaldy Co, Commissioner Mario Lipana, Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza. These new pieces of evidence will also be submitted to the Ombudsman, the ICI said.

Revilla, in a statement on Wednesday, denied being involved in the corruption scandal. He said the accusations against him “are based on the meaningless accusations fabricated by a criminal mastermind and his cohorts who are desperately buying their way to freedom.”

Revilla’s spokesperson and lawyer Maria Carissa Guinto said her client also expressed willingness to appear before the ICI but “was never invited to speak.” – Rappler.com