𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "DPWH officials, senators face charges for Bulacan flood control fund scam" By Marteena Saluna

 

Published by: Shaina Pajarillo 

Date Published: September 24, 2025

Time Published: 7:55 AM

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended criminal charges against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, Rep. Zaldy Co, and several former DPWH officials over misuse of funds in flood control projects.

Justice Secretary Boying Remulla announced the findings during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, citing charges of graft, indirect bribery, and malversation of public funds.

“We determined that the NBI would be investigating it, and from the outset, they already recommended the filing of charges. So we’re now treating this as a formal complaint,” Remulla said.

The NBI uncovered several ghost flood control projects—projects that were fully funded but never built—mostly in Bulacan, with costs ranging from ₱100 million to ₱300 million.

Former DPWH engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza came forward with allegations of kickbacks and fund remittances. Hernandez specifically claimed that Senator Jinggoy Estrada allocated ₱355 million for projects in 2025, with 30% of the funds allegedly funneled back to him through a middleman.

“Si Senator Jinggoy po ay nagbaba ng ₱355 million ngayong 2025 sa mga ilang projects sa Bulacan… 30% ang commitment dito,” referring to an alleged 30% cut from the project funds being kicked back to Estrada.

Adding to the concerns, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) reported that important DPWH records had been altered or destroyed, raising suspicions of an attempt to cover up the anomalies. 

With the findings in hand, the NBI has formally treated the case as a criminal complaint, moving it closer to potential prosecution.

REFERENCES:

[1] NBI endorses graft charges vs. 2 senators, others – DOJ. https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/nbi-endorses-graft-charges-vs-2-senators-others-doj

[2] NBI recommends filing of charges vs. Estrada, Villanueva, Co, Cajayon, Bernardo, Alcantara. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/960051/nbi-recommends-filing-of-charges-vs-estrada-villanueva-co-cajayon-bernardo-alcantara/story

[3] P100M to P300M missing? NBI finds 3 ghost flood control projects in Bulacan. https://politiko.com.ph/2025/09/15/p100m-to-p300m-missing-nbi-finds-3-ghost-flood-control-projects-in-bulacan/politiko-lokal

[4] NBI recommends filing criminal charges vs., Estrada, Villanueva, Co. https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/427401-nbi-recommends-filing-criminal-charges-vs-alcantara-estrada-villanueva-co

[5] Flood probe evidence tampered with — ICI. https://tribune.net.ph/2025/09/22/flood-probe-evidence-tampered-with-ici