OMBUDSMAN BUILDS CASES AGAINST SENATORS OVER FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS

The Office of the Ombudsman is conducting a “case buildup” against former and incumbent senators implicated in anomalous flood control projects, with potential arrest warrants expected by next week or Christmas. Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Mark Villar, and former senators Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Bong Revilla Jr. are among those under investigation, though details of the charges remain confidential. The probe follows recommendations from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which cited affidavits and testimonies alleging plunder, bribery, and corruption of public officials. Some implicated officials have denied involvement, while Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that evidence is being evaluated and preliminary work is ongoing. The office is expanding resources, including hiring 100 new lawyers, to handle multiple ongoing and future cases linked to fraudulent flood control projects.