Plunder and graft raps are being recommended against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and a string of former Department of Public Works and Highways officials, the Department of Justice announced, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to divert public money from the government’s flood control program.
The Office of the Ombudsman has since received the DOJ resolution. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed this at a press briefing on Monday, May 18, noting that the agency will conduct its own independent review before deciding whether to elevate the cases to the Sandiganbayan.
Among those also facing charges in the resolution are former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, NCR Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, Henry Alcantara, Bong Dinglasan, Denryl Caesar Cortuna, Manny B. Bulusan, and Arturo Gonzales Jr., as well as several unnamed individuals. Charges against the late former Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral were recommended to be dropped following her death on December 19, 2025.
In a statement, Clavano described the scope of the alleged scheme:
“The allegations claim that multiple high-ranking public officials and private individuals conspired to maneuver allocations, rig public bidding processes, and siphon government funds stemming from major national infrastructure budget systems, specifically involving the National Expenditure Program, the Bicameral Conference Committee / House General Appropriations Bill, and the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025.”
The DOJ is recommending charges under Republic Act 7080 on plunder, Sections 3(b) and 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 on graft, and provisions of the Revised Penal Code covering direct bribery and the corruption of public officials — the latter targeted at private individuals and entities alleged to have participated in the scheme.
Three respondents — Bernardo, Opulencia, and Alcantara — are being recommended for exclusion from the criminal filing in exchange for their continued cooperation as witnesses. The DOJ cited their firsthand knowledge as critical to establishing the alleged bid-rigging operation.
The resolution drew from legislative records and sworn testimonies presented during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings held on November 14, 2025, which aired allegations of illicit fund manipulation and supposed 30% cuts siphoned from regional flood control projects.
