The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended plunder and graft charges against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and several former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over an alleged conspiracy to manipulate the 2025 national infrastructure budget and siphon funds from flood control projects.
The Office of the Ombudsman announced Monday afternoon, May 18, that it has officially received a copy of the DOJ-National Prosecution Service resolution on NPS Docket No. XVI-INV-26A-00003.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the NBI-DOJ Public Works and Bid Rigging Task Force, which alleged that high-ranking public officials and private individuals conspired to manipulate budget allocations, rig public bidding processes, and siphon government funds.
The schemes allegedly involved the National Expenditure Program, the Bicameral Conference Committee, the House General Appropriations Bill, and the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
Among the primary respondents named alongside Estrada are former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo, and several DPWH district and regional engineers.
The DOJ panel found a prima facie case sufficient to recommend charges of plunder under Republic Act 7080, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Office will conduct its own independent review, with possible outcomes including affirming, amending, or reversing the DOJ’s findings.
“Rest assured, we will keep the public updated on the developments of this case,” Clavano said.
