MANILA – Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate would act with prudence and uphold due process following the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) recommendation to file charges against Senators Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Joel Villanueva over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

The ICI’s referral — its second since beginning its investigation on Sept. 19 — also recommended the prosecution of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former Representatives Zaldy Co and Mitch Cajayon-Uy, and Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana.

“There are constitutional, legal, and political issues to these investigations. And there will be as many opinions as there are lawyers,” Sotto said in a Viber message to reporters.

He said the Senate would adhere to the rule of law and avoid prejudging its members while the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan review the ICI’s findings.

“I would rather be prudent and follow the rule of law and avoid putting the Senate in the line of fire. We have due process in law and a system of check and balance in the government to balance and protect the rights of individuals and institutions as well,” he added.

Estrada denied receiving any funds related to the questioned projects, describing the accusations as unfounded.

“Wala akong tinanggap na anumang pondong nakalaan para sa mga flood control projects, at kaya kong patunayan ito sa hukuman. Ang mga paratang laban sa akin ay pawang hearsay o batay lamang sa sabi-sabi (I did not receive any funds intended for flood control projects, and I can prove this in court. The allegations against me are mere hearsay or based on gossip),” he said in a statement.

He added that he is ready to defend himself in the proper forum and clear his name through due process.

“Justice must be served not through speculation, but through truth and due process,” Estrada said.

Villanueva, for his part, said he has yet to receive a copy of the ICI referral and will have his lawyers study the basis of his inclusion.

“Records of the Senate will show that I have been against flood control projects from the very beginning. I was the one who exposed and questioned these projects that have not been implemented,” he said. (PNA)