MANILA, Philippines — Following the arrests of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former senator Ramon Revilla Jr., contractor couple Curlee and Sara Discaya and numerous Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, including former agency chief Manuel Bonoan, are there more “big fish” to fry in the flood control controversy?

Without revealing details, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon yesterday hinted at possible developments on or before President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.

“We should just wait for developments from the ombudsman and the announcements of our beloved President at the SONA,” Dizon told reporters.

The DPWH chief cited Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s announcement last week that charges will soon be filed against a “big fish” in the flood control scandal.

“A lot of updates will be shared, but the public already knows who have been jailed and arrested. These are not just small fish within the DPWH or other offices, but there are already big fish included. We know who they are, but let us wait for the official actions of the ombudsman and the formal announcements of our beloved President during the SONA,” Dizon said.

Meanwhile, Dizon expressed confidence in the ombudsman’s push to turn Bonoan into a state witness.

“The investigation being conducted by our ombudsman is highly critical, and we place our absolute trust in their decisions regarding who should qualify as a state witness,” he said.

“If a state witness can provide vital supplementary evidence to unmask and prosecute the actual masterminds behind these anomalies, then we must fully support the ombudsman’s discretion on these matters. Let us wait for the details in the coming days,” Dizon added.