ICI clears Escudero, Poe, Binay in flood control controversy citing lack of evidence

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has cleared Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay of any liability in the alleged flood control scandal, saying there is insufficient evidence to justify filing charges against them.

The ICI recently recommended the filing of cases before the Office of the Ombudsman against several individuals—including incumbent and former government officials—in connection with billions of pesos’ worth of non-existent or substandard infrastructure projects, many of which involved ghost flood control projects.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr., who chairs the commission, said the panel’s recommendations were based on in-person interviews and testimonies from lawmakers, whistleblowers, contractors, and government officials, as well as affidavits and documents gathered during the investigation.

According to Reyes, the commission found no basis to implicate Escudero, Poe, or Binay, as former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo failed to provide direct or material evidence linking them to the alleged anomalies when he testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Without corroborating witnesses or concrete proof, the ICI said it could not recommend charges against the three officials.

“We need witnesses—drivers, helpers, cooks, butlers, secretaries, accountants. We need more witnesses,” Reyes emphasized, noting the importance of testimony that can establish direct involvement or receipt of commissions or kickbacks.

Among those recommended for possible charges of plunder, bribery, and corruption are former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Public Works Undersecretaries Maria Catalina Cabral and Roberto Bernardo, and Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana.

Escudero welcomed the findings, saying the results were “based on evidence, weighed for their merit and the witnesses’ claims judged based on their credibility.” He added that in nearly three decades of public service, he has never faced allegations of wrongdoing.

Poe, in a separate statement, said the ICI’s conclusion only affirms that there is no evidence against her. “This is no surprise to me and to the people who know me because I have always conducted myself with utmost integrity,” she said.

Binay, now Makati City mayor, maintained that the accusations were merely attempts to deflect attention from those truly responsible for the irregularities.