The Philippines’ infrastructure watchdog seeks travel bans on 33 officials over alleged fraud in flood control projects.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has requested an immigration lookout bulletin order against 33 current and former officials, including Rep. Martin Romualdez and Senators Chiz Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada, over alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The move, aimed at preventing suspects from leaving the country, stems from probes into ghost projects, substandard work, and unauthorized fund releases. The ICI has summoned Romualdez and former official Zaldy Co to testify on October 14 about budget insertions and government contracts, with Co’s company reportedly receiving over P38 billion in contracts. The DOJ, under outgoing Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, is reviewing the request ahead of his transition to ombudsman on October 9, 2025.