In the latest update on the flood control scandal that has shaken the Marcos Jr. administration, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is recommending the filing of graft charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel ‘Manny’ Bonoan, undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral as well as either before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The charges against the former DPWH officials stem from their accountability over the ₱72-million ghost flood control project in the province of Bulacan.
Based on the interim report of the Commission, it was stated the possibility that respondent officials violated several offenses, including grave misconduct, gross dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The ICI likewise recommended the filing if criminal raps against former DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, the owner of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Incorporated Eumir Villanueva and five more individuals.
Among the cases the respondents are set to face are malversation and falsification and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Presidential Decree No. 1759 and Government Procurement Reform Act.
