Manila: Plunder charges have been filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against former senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their alleged involvement in the multibillion peso ghost flood control controversy. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez informed reporters that the three plunder complaints currently undergoing preliminary investigation are part of 24 criminal cases pending before the DOJ related to ghost flood control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, Martinez stated that the three charges undergoing preliminary investigation are against high-profile personalities, including Senator Bong Revilla, Zaldy Co, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada. These involve three separate cases of plunder against each respondent. The first plunder case began preliminary investigation on January 5 and includes allegations of plunder, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
Martinez indicated that the cases were filed directly by the NBI with the DOJ, involving irregularities in flood control projects in Bulacan and other transactions. The DOJ is also processing a broader cluster of cases related to alleged bribery and procurement fraud in flood control projects, including six cases involving other high-profile respondents and a seventh plunder case naming Co. The allegations suggest systemic irregularities in infrastructure procurement.
The accusations encompass multiple offenses, including direct bribery, indirect bribery, corruption of public officers, and violations of the Government Procurement Act and bid-rigging. Co, who served as former House Appropriations Committee chairperson from July 2022 to January 2025, faces charges of graft, malversation, and falsification of public documents over the construction of an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He left the Philippines in mid-2025 for supposed medical treatment and has not returned, with authorities believing he is traveling using a Portuguese passport.
