Photo credit: Bong Revilla

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has formally recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman file criminal and administrative charges against former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

The recommendation follows weeks of hearings, document reviews, and site inspections that flagged possible overpricing, substandard implementation, and links to suspected flood-control syndicates.

Individuals Recommended for Charges

The ICI cited potential cases including direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder, and administrative sanctions against Revilla and several private individuals believed to have been involved in the scheme:

• Former Senator Bong Revilla Jr.
• Maynard Ngu
• Carleen Villa
• Gerard Opulencia
• Manny Bulusan
• Ruel Umali
• Gene Ryan Altea
• Carleen Yap-Villa
• J.Y. Dela Rosa
• Mrs. Patron
• Carlo Aguilar

Additional former officials may also face charges as new evidence is reviewed:

• Former Secretary Manuel Bonoan
• Former Undersecretary Catalina Cabral
• Former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo
• Former Congressman Zaldy Co
• Commissioner Mario Lipana
• Henry Alcantara
• Brice Hernandez
• Jaypee Mendoza

Senators Under Further Investigation

While not recommended for immediate charges, the ICI has referred the following lawmakers to the Ombudsman for further investigation due to notable discrepancies and possible links to irregularities:

• Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
• Senator Mark Villar
• Former Senator Nancy Binay
• Former Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares

Next Steps

The Ombudsman will now review the ICI’s recommendations, decide whether to file charges, request additional evidence, or expand the investigation. The case is shaping up as one of the most significant corruption-related probes involving public infrastructure in recent years.