MANILA — At least 26 members of the House of Representatives are now under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects, signaling a widening anti-corruption probe that authorities say could expose a broader scheme beyond flood control works.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed on Tuesday that the investigation is underway, with investigators already securing the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) of the lawmakers involved.
“We also ask for the SALN of the members of Congress because the House is the repository of these SALNs. Meron na pong compliance ang Congress sa mga SALN na hinihingi namin,” Clavano told reporters.
According to Clavano, the documents were obtained after the House complied with a subpoena issued by the Ombudsman.
He said the investigation forms part of a larger effort to uncover a possible pattern of irregularities spanning multiple infrastructure projects nationwide.
“It’s the first batch that we asked for, and they complied. This is in relation with infrastructure anomalies, because we are looking at a scheme. And that goes beyond flood control projects. It is a scheme involving infrastructure projects,” he said.
Clavano also assured the public that the Ombudsman, led by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, is committed to ensuring accountability in corruption cases.
“We’ll never neglect our duty. This is the best time to curb corruption. We cannot let this opportunity pass,” he added.
The ongoing probe stems from a broader investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects launched in September 2025. Since then, prosecutors have filed multiple cases, including graft and malversation charges against former and incumbent government officials, as well as private contractors.
The cases involve projects in Oriental Mindoro, Davao Occidental, and Bulacan, as authorities continue to gather evidence and identify those potentially involved in the alleged infrastructure scheme.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as more documents are being examined and additional individuals may be implicated as the probe expands./PN
