35 Flood Control Cases Pending in Courts, Ombudsman Reports

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman told senators on Thursday, September 3, that a total of 35 cases related to the multi-billion-peso flood control scandal are now pending in courts. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said of this number, 31 are with the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, while the remaining four are with various regional courts. Although the Sandiganbayan is the designated anti-corruption tribunal, certain lower courts are also mandated to handle corruption cases. Under Republic Act No. 10660, Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) have jurisdiction over graft or corruption cases that do not specify damage to the government, or when the amount of damage is not more than P1 million. Lower courts, designated by the Supreme Court, also handle cases against public officers with salary grades lower than Grade 27, based on Batas Pambansa Bilang 129 or the Judiciary Reorganization Act. Big ticket cases, like the plunder and graft cases against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and the graft and malversation cases against former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co are with the Sandiganabayan. Although they have charges before the anti-graft court, former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers like Brice Hernandez also face corruption cases before a Quezon City RTC. Meanwhile, Remulla said the Ombudsman is currenty conducting preliminary investigation into 166 flood control-related complaints, and 107 lifestyle checks on public officials and employees. Preliminary investigation is the stage in criminal proceedings where prosecutors are determining whether a complaint has enough evidence to become a case and be filed before a court. Remulla took office in 2025, just as the flood control scandal erupted. Estrada is so far the highest-ranking official to be arrested in connection with the scandal. However, efforts to hold others linked to the flood control corruption accountable have faced hurdles, including Co’s continued evasion of the law. The former lawmaker has been out of the country since 2025 and has yet to get his day in court. – Rappler.com