MANILA — Progressive groups on Saturday pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to immediately file corruption charges against Sen. Joel Villanueva over his alleged links to controversial flood control projects, warning that continued delays could weaken the case and allow those implicated to evade tougher penalties.
Members of the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) staged a protest outside the Ombudsman’s office, demanding swift action after Ombudsman Crispin Remulla previously disclosed that a plunder complaint involving Villanueva was already ready for filing.
SPARK-PUP Coordinator John Christian Ancheta questioned why no formal charges had been filed despite the Ombudsman’s earlier pronouncement.
“Dapat ituloy na ‘yun (na kasuhan si Villanueva) matagal na ‘yun sinabi, tapos halos bumaliktad na nga (si Villanueva) pero di pa rin nakakasuhan. Kaya mas nag-aalinlangan yung grupo namin na maging bailable na lang yung kaso,” Ancheta said.
The group expressed concern that the complaint could be diluted or downgraded if action continues to be delayed.
“Nandito kami para ipanawagan sa Ombudsman… para higit na tutulan at panagutin din yung Ombudsman sa di nito paggawa ng trabaho or yung pagpapatagal pa lalo para panagutin yung mga sangkot sa flood control,” he added.
SPARK said the Ombudsman should ensure accountability for all individuals allegedly involved in the questioned flood control projects, which have come under increasing public scrutiny amid allegations of corruption and misuse of government funds.
The group also took aim at the composition of the Senate’s new majority bloc, claiming political interests could influence developments surrounding the case.
In a statement, SPARK alleged that the current administration stands to benefit from the Senate’s new alignment as it pursues broader political objectives, including the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Hindi bago ang ganitong klaseng oportunismo sa Senado. Nakikinabang ang kasalukuyang administrasyon ni Marcos sa bagong mayorya para sa kanyang long-term goal na matanggal si Sara Duterte sa pwesto at pagbawalang makatakbo muli,” the group said.
The allegations against Villanueva stem from accusations made in 2025 by former Department of Public Works and Highways – Bulacan 1st District engineer Henry Alcantara, who claimed the senator received a P150-million kickback linked to a P600-million multi-purpose building project in Bulacan.
Villanueva has repeatedly denied the allegations and insisted that he had no participation in any irregularities connected to the project.
The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to announce when it will issue a final resolution on the complaint./PN
