Preliminary probe set on Jinggoy, Bong plunder raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to start its preliminary investigation on the plunder cases against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in relation to anomalous flood control projects within the week.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon yesterday said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that they will be issuing subpoenas to Estrada and Revilla in connection with their cases for violation of Republic Act 7080 or the Anti-Plunder Law.

He said the National Bureau of Investigation has conducted a fact-finding investigation in cooperation with prosecutors. Afterwards, a recommendation or referral was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“The Office of the Ombudsman evaluates whether or not there is sufficient evidence to proceed. Also, we just received the records back,” he said.

Fadullon did not give the exact amounts of public funds which Revilla and Estrada are accused of amassing.

DOJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo Martinez said the cases against Estrada and Revilla are not just related to the questionable flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways 1st District Engineering Office in Bulacan.

“Because an amount is involved that encompasses not just projects in Bulacan but nationwide,” Martinez said at the same news forum.

Fadullon said several congressmen will also face criminal cases in connection with the flood control corruption scandal.

Five cases related to ghost flood control projects are up for resolution within the week involving SYMS Construction. Fadullon said the complaints were filed sometime in December 2025.