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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH, ICI gear up for asset forfeiture proceedings in flood control corruption case

DPWH, ICI gear up for asset forfeiture proceedings in flood control corruption case

Published Oct 29, 2025 06:29 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH and ICI prepare civil forfeiture proceedings over alleged multibillion-peso irregularities in flood control projects.
  • Dizon said the agencies will meet on Oct. 30 to finalize filing schedules.
  • AMLC reports frozen assets linked to the case have reached around ₱5.2 billion.
  • Court of Appeals has frozen more than 1,900 accounts, properties, and investments tied to individuals under investigation.
  • ICI recommended the Ombudsman file plunder, bribery, and corruption complaints against several lawmakers and officials.
Asset recovery efforts are now underway as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) prepare to initiate civil forfeiture proceedings linked to alleged multibillion-peso irregularities in flood control projects.
In an interview on Wednesday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the department will meet with ICI on Thursday, Oct. 30, to finalize the schedule for filing civil forfeiture suits against those implicated in the controversy.
“Para masimulan na ‘yung proseso ng pagbabalik ng pera kasi ‘yun naman ang gusto mangyari ng ating Pangulo at ng ating mga kababayan (So we can begin the process of returning the money because that is what our President and our countrymen want),” Dizon said, noting the President’s directive to hasten recovery efforts.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has said the total value of frozen assets linked to the probe has reached about P5.2 billion.
The Court of Appeals has ordered the freezing of 1,671 bank accounts, 58 insurance policies, 163 motor vehicles, 99 real properties, and 12 e-wallet accounts tied to persons under investigation.
Dizon’s announcement followed ICI’s recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman to file plunder, bribery, and corruption complaints against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada; former representatives Zaldy Co and Mitch Cajayon-Uy; Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana; and former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, among others.
DPWH officials said the forfeiture suits, once filed, will proceed alongside criminal inquiries as part of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach aimed at restoring public funds and accountability.
The DPWH said the action seeks not only financial restitution but also the restoration of public trust in infrastructure programs and tighter accountability in flood control work.

Related Tags

DPWH ICI asset forfeiture public funds recovery
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