ICI reevaluates senator referrals after new affidavit submitted

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is reconsidering its plan to file referrals against three senators implicated in flood control anomalies, following the submission of a new affidavit by former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

ICI chair Andres Reyes stated that the commission is reevaluating all aspects of the case due to Bernardo's affidavit, which will cause a delay of approximately ten days from the original deadline.

Bernardo's supplemental affidavit implicates former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and several other individuals, including senators, a department secretary, former senators, a former representative, a mayor, and a former DPWH undersecretary, in allegedly receiving kickbacks for infrastructure projects.

Previously, the ICI had announced its intention to recommend charges against at least three senators, separate from an earlier referral concerning Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva.

The ICI welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman's filing of a case against former lawmaker Zaldy Co, several DPWH Region 4B officials, and Sunwest Corporation directors with the Sandiganbayan.