Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) are set to submit evidence to the Ombudsman, recommending the filing of plunder, graft, bribery, and conflict-of-interest charges against eight lawmakers allegedly involved in irregular flood-control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President disclosed in his latest public report on the government's flood-control investigation that certain lawmakers allegedly own construction companies that have secured contracts in districts they influence. Although Marcos did not reveal the names of these lawmakers, he stated that evidence against them would be submitted to the Ombudsman.

The President has been providing regular updates on the nationwide audit of flood-control projects, addressing concerns over overpriced contracts, anomalous procurement, and ghost projects. The investigation involves billions of pesos worth of public works projects implemented across multiple regions over several years.

Marcos further mentioned that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has issued two freeze orders on assets totaling approximately PHP12 billion, suspected to be connected to the questionable contracts. These assets include aircraft valued at around PHP4 billion, 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 vehicles, 178 real estate assets, and 16 e-wallet accounts.

"This is only the beginning. more assets will be frozen," he stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The President reaffirmed his commitment to recovering public funds lost to corruption, asserting, "The people's money will be returned to the people."