The Office of the Ombudsman files nine graft counts against Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel Rivera before the Sandiganbayan, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla says. The charges relate to alleged conflict of interest connected to the flood control projects scandal. Remulla confirms that the Ombudsman’s prosecutors submit the cases, citing possible ties between Rivera and government contractors that obtained contracts tied to the infrastructure projects. The Inquirer reports that the graft cases are based on recommendations from the defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which had earlier advised the Ombudsman to pursue criminal and administrative action against Rivera due to the alleged contractor links. Both outlets indicate that the filing involves multiple counts rather than a single case, reflecting different allegations tied to the same broader issue. Rivera’s case proceeds through the Sandiganbayan, where the next steps involve arraignment and the presentation of evidence by both the prosecution and the defense. The Ombudsman’s filing marks the formal start of the judicial process for these charges.