THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday asked the Department of Justice (DoJ) to issue immigration lookout bulletin orders against 33 people including lawmakers, government officials and contractors allegedly linked to anomalous flood control projects.
In a letter to the DoJ, ICI Chairman Andres B. Reyes, Jr. said the orders are “of utmost necessity” to prevent potential flight and ensure the commission’s probe proceeds without delay.
The list includes former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Senators Francis Joseph G. Escudero, Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada and Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva and former Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr. Also on the list are 17 incumbent and former lawmakers, several mayors, Public Works officials and private contractors.
The ICI also asked the Bureau of Immigration to immediately alert the commission if any of the people try to leave the country.
Ombudsman and outgoing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has signed the lookout orders, DoJ spokesman Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV told reporters in a Viber message.
“Their names have been immediately included in our centralized database, and their travels will be strictly monitored,” Immigration spokesperson Dana Krizia M. Sandoval told reporters in a separate Viber message.
Separately, the commission summoned Mr. Romualdez and former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co to testify and submit documents including contracts, accounting records, corporate registrations and financial statements related to budget insertions and flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and other Budget officials were invited to meet with the ICI on Oct. 14 to discuss procedures for the release of unprogrammed funds and allocations for flood control projects flagged as ghost or incomplete. The meeting will be held at the ICI headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Under Executive Order No. 94, the ICI has the authority to issue subpoenas, request documents and coordinate with other agencies in investigating corruption in public infrastructure projects.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire A. Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. supports transparency in the ICI’s probe but would leave the scope of public disclosure to the commission’s discretion.
“In every investigation, there must be transparency and nothing should be hidden,” she told a news briefing.
Mr. Reyes warned that people who ignore subpoenas or violate travel restrictions could face legal consequences.
“If I faced my previous plunder cases and didn’t run away — why would I now, when there isn’t even the slightest bit of evidence against me?” Mr. Estrada told reporters in a Viber group chat.
In a statement, Mr. Romualdez confirmed receiving the summons and said he “welcomes the opportunity to cooperate” and is “prepared to appear before the commission.”
The Office of Mr. Escudero did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment. Mr. Revilla and Mr. Villanueva also did not immediately respond to separate Viber messages for comment. All have denied any wrongdoing. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking