January 17, 2026 – Manila, Philippines. The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that subpoenas will be issued next week against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. in connection with plunder complaints over alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The move signals the start of the preliminary investigation into the high-profile cases.

The DOJ announced that subpoenas will be served next week to Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. as part of the preliminary investigation into plunder complaints linked to anomalous flood control projects. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said during a news forum in Quezon City that the issuance of subpoenas marks the formal beginning of proceedings against the two lawmakers.

“I believe by next week, this coming week, we will be issuing the subpoenas already in connection with those cases. Meaning to say, magsisimula na ang preliminary investigation sa kanila,” Fadullon stated.

The complaints were filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), covering alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Bulacan and other transactions. Alongside Estrada and Revilla, resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co is also facing charges. 

The cases involve violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, with plunder charges filed under Republic Act 7080 (Anti-Plunder Act).

DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez earlier confirmed that there are three separate plunder cases against Estrada, Revilla, and Co. Under the law, plunder is committed when a public official amasses at least ₱75 million in ill-gotten wealth through a series of criminal acts such as kickbacks, misuse of funds, or abuse of position.

The flood control mess has drawn public attention due to the scale of the projects and the involvement of prominent political figures. The DOJ emphasized that the investigation will proceed independently and that due process will be observed.

The upcoming subpoenas are expected to compel Estrada and Revilla to formally respond to the allegations. Legal analysts note that the preliminary investigation could take months, given the complexity of the transactions and the personalities involved.

Familiar Names, Familiar Allegations

The DOJ’s move to issue subpoenas against Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla Jr. feels grimly familiar. Flood control scandals keep circling the same political names, while communities relive the same damage every rainy season. 

Subpoenas mark progress, but Filipinos have seen this stage before. Investigations begin, time stretches, attention fades. The allegations involve billions in projects meant to protect lives, yet floods still swallow homes and livelihoods. 

This is no longer about individual guilt alone. It points to a system that allows repetition without consequence. How many times must the same names resurface before accountability finally sticks?

Image from Facebook .