45 charged in flood control mess, but only 2 top contractors face court
One year after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. exposed the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal, 45 individuals and just two of the country's top 15 contracting firms have been charged in 26 cases. This slow but steady progress, revealed in documents obtained by GMA News Research, shows the government is serious about accountability, even as critics call for faster action.
The cases were filed in six batches, with one key Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official on the verge of becoming a state witness. The President's latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday announced that the Ombudsman is set to file charges against former Speaker Martin Romualdez over possible plunder, bribery, and money laundering.
Who has been charged so far?
The first case, filed at the Sandiganbayan on November 18, 2025, targets former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, who remains at large, along with DPWH Mimaropa Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, officers of Sunwest Corp., and several other DPWH officials. This involves a P289-million alleged ghost flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Other lawmakers charged include former senator Bong Revilla, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and USWAG Ilonggo Partylist Representative James 'Jojo' Ang, Jr. Only two of the top 15 contractors named by Marcos are facing charges: St. Timothy Construction and Sunwest Corporation. St. Timothy's owners, spouses Pacifico and Sarah Discaya and Ma. Roma Rimando, face charges in Cebu and Malolos courts.
Why are only two top contractors charged?
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla admits only a small percentage of those involved have been charged, citing difficulties in obtaining records from the Bicameral Conference Committee. 'It's a very small percentage, but we're doing this every day,' he said. 'When our new teams come in, you will see a stronger Office of the Ombudsman.'
Public governance expert Dean Jennifer Oreta of the Ateneo School of Government says the slow pace is expected given the complexity. 'There's progress, we should give where credit is due. It involves several agencies, not just individuals,' she said. 'If we are serious in filing charges, the case buildup must be very meticulous.'
Who are the state witnesses?
One contractor, Sally Santos, is a state witness along with high-ranking DPWH officials including former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, and former Regional Director Gerard Opulencia. The highest DPWH official charged is former Secretary Manuel Bonoan, but prosecutors are asking the Sandiganbayan to discharge him and accept him as a state witness.
What did President Marcos say in his SONA?
In his fifth SONA, Marcos disclosed that his cousin, Romualdez, may join the list. 'I am not the President of my family. I am not the President of my friend. I am the President of the Philippines,' he said. The Ombudsman thanked the President, saying it frees them to 'follow the evidence wherever it leads, including those closest to the President himself.'
What happens next?
The Ombudsman has issued orders for Romualdez, Co, and eight others to submit counter affidavits within 15 days. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano says a special panel will then resolve the recommendation. Remulla promises a stronger Ombudsman with new teams arriving through August and September, aiming for a 'deterrent effect.'
This is a story of accountability in progress, not perfection. The fight against corruption is a marathon, not a sprint. We must trust the process while demanding transparency. The President's resolve is clear, and the Ombudsman is building its case. Let us pray for justice to prevail, for the sake of every Filipino who suffered from floods that should have been prevented.