The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is set to call several high-profile lawmakers as part of its widening investigation into alleged corruption in public works projects.
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed that former Speaker Martin Romualdez “has been invited already,” though he declined to disclose when the subpoena was issued. The commission is also preparing to summon resigned Albay congressman Zaldy Co and Senator Mark Villar, who once headed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Romualdez and Co, who both played key roles in budget deliberations as House speaker and appropriations chair, have been repeatedly mentioned in testimonies on irregularities in flood control projects. During a Senate Blue Ribbon hearing, retired Marine sergeant Orly Guteza claimed he delivered 46 suitcases of “basura,” or kickback money, to Romualdez’s residence, while Co allegedly received several suitcases as well.
Romualdez resigned from the speakership on September 17, while Co stepped down from his seat earlier this week and is currently overseas.
The ICI has also met with former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, who appeared before the three-member fact-finding body in Taguig. Hosaka said public hearings will now be scheduled every Tuesday and Wednesday starting next week.
Former finance secretary Benjamin Diokno, now a Monetary Board member, dismissed the ongoing inquiries as political theater. “This is just publicity, they are just taking advantage of the airtime. There is no point here,” Diokno said, urging lawmakers to instead pass the 2026 national budget without congressional insertions as proof of their sincerity. He described this as a true “litmus test” of integrity.
Budget insertions amounting to more than ₱142 billion were reportedly added to the 2025 national budget, mostly for infrastructure projects. Senate Blue Ribbon chair Ping Lacson said his panel will soon release a report identifying insertions worth at least ₱100 billion by nearly all senators of the 19th Congress.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it expects to raise about ₱220 million from the auction of 13 luxury vehicles seized from contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya. Customs chief Ariel Nepomuceno revealed the vehicles—including a Rolls Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, and several high-end SUVs—lacked proper importation documents. The Discayas have been given 15 days to present proof of ownership before forfeiture proceedings move forward.
Nepomuceno added that 10 Customs personnel have been ordered to explain why they allowed the vehicles’ release. He also confirmed coordination with the ICI to share information connected to the flood control anomalies.
Separately, Mel Clarisse Sto. Domingo, ex-wife of controversial Bulacan district engineer Brice Hernandez, resigned as officer-in-charge of the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards just over a month after her appointment. Hernandez, who faced scrutiny over his testimony in the Senate, has since clarified through his lawyer that he remarried in 2023.
