The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday unveiled a sweeping list of 21 personalities now facing possible prosecution over their alleged roles in anomalous flood-control projects—a list that reads like a cross-section of political heavyweights, contractors, and government insiders.
The recommendation, crafted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and endorsed to the National Prosecution Service, ropes in both incumbent lawmakers and familiar names in past corruption controversies.
Among those flagged for case build-up are:
- Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co
- Senators Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada
- Former senator Bong Revilla Jr.
- DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and ex-undersecretary Roberto Bernardo
- Undersecretary Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy
- Business figures such as Maynard Ngu and Carleen Villa
- Several alleged operators and contractors, including those identified only by their aliases: “Beng Ramos,” “Mina,” and “Andrei Balatbat”
The roster, DOJ officials stressed, was not born out of speculation. It is anchored on sworn affidavits from insiders, including former DPWH executives who described how the system of commissions, rigged contracts, and “trusted bagmen” allegedly worked.
“These statements provided the preliminary basis to identify individuals who appear to have had a direct role in the irregularities,” the DOJ said in a statement.
Interestingly, not everyone previously linked to the controversy was included. Former senator Nancy Binay, mentioned in the affidavit of ex-DPWH undersecretary Bernardo, did not make the cut. DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano explained that investigators found a stronger trail leading only to Binay’s former aide, Carleen Villa.
“The line to Sen. Binay is still being built,” Clavano remarked, hinting that the door remains open for additional inclusions as evidence firms up.
The NBI, he added, continues to “strengthen the links” to ensure airtight recommendations before formal filing with prosecutors.
Witnesses emerge from within the web
Private contractor Sally Santos, herself part of the preliminary list, has been provisionally admitted into the Witness Protection Program. Her lawyer, Bernard Jonathan Gatchalian, revealed that Santos volunteered to “tell all,” even expressing willingness to be considered as a state witness if her testimony is deemed vital.
Other potential witnesses—including contractor Sarah Discaya and engineer Alcantara—also appeared before the DOJ for WPP evaluation, underscoring the fluid nature of the investigation.
The Guteza controversy
Complicating matters further is the case of Orly Regala Guteza, a retired Marine who claimed to be an aide of Rep. Co. Guteza submitted an affidavit alleging cash deliveries and shadow transactions—but the notary public whose name appeared on the document has since disowned it.
“We are validating the reports that the notary denied signing the affidavit,” Clavano said. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reportedly scheduled a meeting with Guteza, but the supposed witness never appeared.
For now, the case build-up continues. Prosecutors will assess whether the sworn statements, coupled with supporting evidence, are strong enough to move forward to trial. But already, the breadth of personalities entangled—spanning senators, congressmen, contractors, and bureaucrats—signals that this could become one of the most politically explosive corruption cases in years.
Whether the government can translate these preliminary links into convictions will test the very institutions that the flood-control funds were meant to serve.