Senator Mark Villar Faces ICI Probe on Flood Control Anomalies

Senator Mark Villar on Tuesday appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to testify on alleged irregularities in flood control projects implemented during his term as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2016 to 2021.

Villar took his oath at the ICI headquarters in Taguig City and responded to questions regarding the planning, budgeting, execution, and monitoring of infrastructure projects under his leadership. ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosakasaid the hearing with Villar “went well,” noting that the senator explained in detail the processes and reforms he introduced while heading the agency.

“The senator just explained the processes he applied or used during the time that he was DPWH secretary with regard to how he managed the department,” Hosaka told reporters after the hearing.

The ICI summoned Villar to shed light on the implementation of flood control and other major projects, some of which have been linked to alleged kickback schemes involving former DPWH officials. Villar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stressing that his tenure was marked by efforts to modernize systems and promote transparency.

During the hearing, questions were raised about Villar’s connection to former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantaraand undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who earlier admitted to delivering kickbacks to several lawmakers in exchange for infrastructure deals. Hosaka clarified that there were “no changes” to existing allegations during the discussion.

The investigation forms part of the ICI’s broader effort to uncover systemic corruption in infrastructure projects, particularly in flood control programs where billions of pesos in public funds are involved. Once the probe is completed, the commission is expected to submit its recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman for possible administrative or criminal action.

Villar’s appearance is one of several high-profile testimonies as the ICI intensifies its inquiry into what it described as a “complex web of corruption” within the public works sector.