DOJ recommends plunder, graft raps vs Jinggoy Estrada over links to flood control mess
The Department of Justice is seeking to file plunder, graft, and other charges against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Manuel Bonoan, and others linked to anomalous flood control projects.
On May 18, the Office of the Ombudsman received the recommendation to charge the officials, which also includes DPWH assistant district engineers Bong Dinglasan, Denryl Caesar Cortuna, district engineer Manny Bulusan, Arturo L. Gonzales Jr., and several John and Jane Does.
"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," Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a statement.
The DOJ also recommended charges of direct bribery and receiving gifts by public officers against the officials.
Additionally, the agency sought the case against former DPWH Usec. Catalina Cabral, who died in December 2025, to be dropped.
Meanwhile, former DPWH officials Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, and Gerard Opeluncia were excluded from the filing of criminal information in exchange for their testimonies.
After the Senate session on May 18, Estrada told members of the media asking about the DOJ's recommendation to file cases that his next move is to talk to his lawyers.
Estrada was named by former DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez as among the senators allegedly involved in kickback schemes in Bulacan. The senator has since denied the claims and filed perjury charges against Hernandez in December 2025. The DOJ junked the case due to a lack of evidence.
Bonoan, meanwhile, resigned as DPWH chief in August 2025 and was replaced by former Transportation secretary Vince Dizon.