Overview
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBOs) against a high-profile group tied to its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The list includes former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Senate president Francis Escudero, former senator Bong Revilla, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and 28 others. The move underscores the commission’s urgency to secure cooperation and prevent possible flight risks as the inquiry unfolds.
Date and Purpose of the ILBO Request
In a letter to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. stressed that the initial findings identified these individuals as “inevitable” participants during the fact-finding process. The ILBO would provide a mechanism to monitor travel by the named persons and ensure their availability for testimony and document production. Reyes emphasized that timely ILBO issuance is essential to avoid delays and to hold liable parties accountable to the Filipino people.
Key Names and Roles Named in the Lookout
Aside from Romualdez, Escudero, Revilla, and Estrada, the ICI also requested ILBO for Makati Mayor Nancy Binay and her aide, Carlene Yap; Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana and his wife, Marilou Laurio-Lipana; Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar; and Maynard Ngu, the country’s special envoy to China for trade. Several incumbent House members were listed, including Romulo (Pasig), Ang (Uswag Ilonggo Party-list), PM Vargas (Quezon City), Arjo Atayde (Quezon City), Nikki Briones (AGAP Party-list), Marcy Teodoro (Marikina), Rida Robes (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan), Eleandro Jesus Madrona (Romblon), Benjie Agarao (Laguna), Odie Tarriela (Occidental Mindoro), Reynan Arrogancia (Quezon’s 3rd district), Antonieta Eudela (Zamboanga Sibugay), Dean Asistio (Caloocan 3rd), and Marivic Co-Pilar (Quezon City 6th).
The list also covers former representatives Bem Noel (An Waray Party-list), Marvin Rillo (Quezon City), and Teodorico Haresco (Aklan). Other officials named include DPWH district engineers Loida Busa, Ramon Devanadera, Johnny Protesta Jr., Arturo Gonzales Jr., and Rillo’s aide Bogs Magalong. The ICI’s aim is to ensure accountability across multiple sectors involved in flood control contracts and related projects.
Testimony and Subpoenas
In tandem with ILBO requests, the 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 any bribery scheme. The commission also issued a subpoena to Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, a former Ako Bicol representative who has been abroad since September. Co is required to produce extensive corporate and financial records related to flood control contracts and formations, including project proposals, master plans, vouchers, invoices, and tax documents.
Transparency and Public Hearings
The push for public access to the ICI’s proceedings drew support from prominent voices. Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio urged the hearings be open to the public and media, arguing that transparency is essential to maintaining public trust in the probe. He noted that transparency helps dispel suspicions of backroom deals and strengthens confidence in the investigation’s credibility. The CBCP echoed calls for transparency, urging that the ICI’s work be free from political interference and that findings be shared openly with the public.
Government and Public Response
The Malacañang administration said the ICI should determine the extent of public disclosure for its hearings, signaling a balance between transparency and procedural fairness. Senate figures, including Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, warned that prolonged, opaque inquiries risk eroding trust in government institutions. As the ICI moves forward, stakeholders await the timeline for ILBOs, witness testimonies, and the release of investigative findings.
Implications for Flood Control Governance
The flood control projects under scrutiny involve billions in government contracts and multiple agencies, highlighting concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability in critical infrastructure. Analysts say the ICI’s actions—ranging from ILBO requests to public hearings—could reshape how large-scale infrastructure investigations are conducted in the Philippines, emphasizing public interest and the need for robust oversight mechanisms.
Bottom Line
As the ICI pursues ILBOs for a broad list of officials and stakeholders, the investigation into flood control projects intensifies. The coming weeks could bring heightened scrutiny, new testimonies, and potentially, decisive steps toward accountability for those implicated in the civil works program that affected flood control in various regions.
