Tinio: Where are other ‘big fish’ in flood works investigation?

Antonio Tinio, a deputy minority leader and member of the ACT Teachers party, raised concerns over the ongoing investigation into a major corruption scandal linked to flood mitigation projects, questioning why key figures, referred to as “big fish”, remain uncharged. Speaking in Filipino, Tinio accused the Marcos administration of engaging in “selective prosecution” and “selective accountability,” suggesting that political allegiance rather than legal culpability determines who faces justice. He emphasized that while high-profile individuals such as Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya have been arrested, others, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, President Bongbong Marcos’s cousin, and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, are still free despite being under investigation. The controversy stems from a widespread corruption scheme uncovered during President Marcos’s State of the Nation Address in 2023. The administration revealed that politicians, state engineers, and private contractors had conspired to divert public funds through fraudulent or non-existent infrastructure projects aimed at improving flood control. This scandal has become the administration’s most pressing challenge, prompting calls for transparency and accountability. Despite the gravity of the allegations, arrests have remained limited. Those detained include Estrada, Revilla, the contractor couple, and several engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). However, prominent figures such as Romualdez, who served as Speaker before stepping down, and Escudero, who chaired the Senate during the initial stages of the scandal, have not faced formal charges. Additionally, former Cabinet members, including ex-Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and the former head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, have avoided legal action. Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who later became a state witness, also remains untouched by the investigations. Tinio suggested that the lack of charges against these top officials might indicate a deeper issue: that the corruption extends to the highest levels of government. He argued that the administration appears to be protecting its allies, potentially shielding President Bongbong Marcos himself. “Under the President’s leadership, they should be held primarily accountable,” Tinio stated. “Yet they are not being charged, first, because Marcos must protect his allies; and second, because he must protect himself.” Romualdez’s legal team has responded to these accusations, asserting that there is no evidence linking the former Speaker to the scandal. Lawyer Ade Fajardo noted that while Romualdez was once accused of facilitating questionable projects during his tenure as House leader, no conclusive proof has surfaced. “There is truly no proof or evidence against him in the flood control anomalies,” Fajardo said. “There is not even a preliminary investigation yet, as the case remains in buildup status.” Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman, led by Jesus Crispin Remulla, has indicated that it is nearing the decision to file plunder charges against Romualdez. Remulla described the former Speaker as not avoiding accountability, stating that he voluntarily resigned from his position amid the scrutiny. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and potential legal actions pending. As the probe continues, questions linger about the extent of the corruption and who will ultimately face consequences.