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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI: Gardiola linked for the 1st time to flood control projects mess

ICI: Gardiola linked for the 1st time to flood control projects mess

Published Nov 18, 2025 06:03 pm

At A Glance

  • The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 18 that Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste linked his 20th Congress colleague Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola to the flood control projects mess.
ICI headquarters (MANILA BULLETIN)
ICI headquarters (MANILA BULLETIN)




The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 18 that Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste linked his 20th Congress colleague Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola to the flood control projects mess.

This, after Leviste personally appeared before the ICI headquarters in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City to make the allegation.

"As far as I'm concerned, ngayon lng nabanggit [yung name niya] (It was the first time that his name was mentioned). But we've been reading that in the news," ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said in a press conference.

Hosaka's remark came after Leviste went to the ICI on Tuesday morning. The latter said he was there for a meeting with ICI member Babes Singson.

After the meeting, Leviste spoke with reporters and claimed that Gardiola was now "the biggest proponent" of infrastructure projects inside Congress.

"According to ICI, the number one proponent of projects in the DPWH is Zaldy Co. Number three [are] the Discayas, and number two is Cong. Edwin Gardiola," he said.

"So basically, kung sino ang malaki, yun ang malaki (he becomes the biggest contractor) over all, because Congressman Gardiola is second largest in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) after Zaldy Co and ahead of the Discayas. Then I think it is [a] credible claim to say the largest contractor in Congress now is Congressman Gardiola," Leviste added.

ICI denied relaying such information.

Nevertheless, Hosaka said any information that the commission would get would be welcomed and scrutinized.

Likewise, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said any inputs would help zero in on those who need to be held accountable for the flood control controversy.




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