IC I Expands Lookout Orders as Flood Control Probe Grows
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has formally asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBO) for 32 individuals, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Senate President Francis Escudero, and former senator Bong Revilla. The request is part of the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and related budget insertions.
In a letter to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. stressed that the identified figures were “inevitable” during the fact-finding process and urged swift action to prevent travel and protect the integrity of the inquiry. The ILBO would allow law enforcement to monitor travel and halt potential evidence-tampering or flight risk as the probe advances.
Reyes emphasized the need for timely ILBO issuance to avoid delaying accountability for the Filipino people. The Bureau of Immigration, under the DOJ, would be kept informed of any developments regarding the subjects’ travel plans, ensuring coordinated action across agencies.
List of Individuals Targeted in the Lookout
Beyond Romualdez, Escudero, Revilla, and Estrada, the ILBO request includes Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, her aide Carlene Yap, and several other political and public figures tied to the flood control contracts. The roster also covers Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana and his wife, Trygve Olaivar (Education Undersecretary), and Maynard Ngu (special envoy to China for trade).
Incumbent lawmakers named in the ICI’s list include reps from various districts and party-lists, such as Roman Romulo, Jojo Ang, PM Vargas, Arjo Atayde, Nikki Briones, Marcy Teodoro, Rida Robes, Eleandro Madrona, Benjie Agarao, Odie Tarriela, Reynan Arrogancia, Antonieta Eudela, Dean Asistio, and Marivic Co-Pilar. Former representatives Bem Noel, Marvin Rillo, and Teodorico Haresco are also cited. The comprehensive ILBO target list underscores the breadth of the investigation into flood-control spending and project execution.
Other names on the ILBO radar include engineering officials Loida Busa (Quezon City), Ramon Devanadera (Cebu City), Johnny Protesta Jr. (Quezon City), Arturo Gonzales Jr. (Quezon City), and Bogs Magalong, an aide to Romillo’s aide. The ICI’s aim is to build a robust process that can withstand scrutiny as the inquiry proceeds into the priorities and allocations of flood-control projects.
Romualdez’s Testimony and Open Hearings Debate
ICI summoned Romualdez to appear and confer under oath about his knowledge of budget insertions and DPWH flood-control projects during his tenure as speaker. Romualdez has denied involvement in the bribery allegations, but the commission seeks documents that could corroborate or challenge his statements. A subpoena has also been issued for Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, a former representative now abroad, demanding a broad set of corporate and financial records connected to flood-control engagements.
Co is linked by media reports to a construction company said to have secured substantial flood-control contracts in Romualdez’s home province of Leyte. Both Romualdez and Co are slated to appear before the ICI on Oct. 14, with the aim of presenting project records, contracts, and related documents to illuminate the process behind these contracts and budget insertions.
Transparency and Public Access in Focus
Public interest is rising in tandem with new calls for transparency. Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio joined advocates in urging that ICI proceedings be open to the public and media to build trust and accountability. Carpio argued that open hearings would mitigate suspicions and strengthen public confidence in the probe, noting that other institutions routinely provide public access to proceedings.
The CBCP also urged transparency in ongoing flood-control investigations, stressing that public disclosure is essential for accountability and the prevention of corruption. Malacañang indicated that the ICI should determine the level of public access, with openness subject to the commission’s discretion, while ensuring due process and credible outcomes.
As the investigation expands, the question remains how far the ICI will go to deter flight, preserve evidence, and maintain public trust. The evolving dialogue around ILBOs and public hearings signals a broader push for transparent governance in major infrastructure spending.
