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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has suggested the prosecution of 21 individuals, encompassing numerous lawmakers and Public Works officials, regarding their presumed participation in irregular infrastructure projects, the Justice department stated.
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DoJ) indicated that the NBI has advised the prosecution of the 21 individuals for “case build-up” with the National Prosecution Service.
“No one is beyond the law, and no rank, title or influence will shield you from responsibility. The individuals identified will be required to respond, under the rule of law, to the grave accusations now facing them,” the DoJ remarked.
The DoJ disclosed the roster which includes: Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co., Senator Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, and former Senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr.
The roster further includes Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara and DPWH engineers Brice Ericson P. Hernandez, Jaypee D. Mendoza and Arjay S. Domasig.
The DOJ remarked that the individuals included on the list are based on the sworn declarations of Messrs. Alcantara, Hernandez, Mendoza, and Bernardo.
“Their testimonies provided the foundation for identifying these individuals as having substantial initial connections to the actions under scrutiny,” it added.
Mr. Escudero was succeeded as Senate president earlier this month after he acknowledged receiving campaign contributions from a contractor but refuted influencing contract allocations.
Mr. Villanueva, Mr. Estrada, and Mr. Revilla have also rejected any involvement in the flood control fraud, while Mr. Co has labeled the accusations against him “false and unfounded.”
The Philippine Senate is examining discrepancies in the DPWH flood-mitigation initiatives, which have garnered around P500 billion since 2022.
CO ANNOUNCES HIS INTENT TO RETURN TO THE COUNTRY
In the meantime, Mr. Co, who is abroad, stated he will come back to the nation to address “false, unfounded and politically motivated” claims against him.
In a letter dated Sept. 25 to House Speaker Faustino Dy III, Mr. Co voiced his concerns that his approved travel authorization was rescinded while he is currently out of the country for a prearranged medical treatment.
“I am disheartened that my colleagues in the House of Representatives would deprive me of the time required for medical attention that I had arranged long in advance and extremely worried that the decision to revoke my travel authorization arose from pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedures,” he stated.
“I intend to return to the Philippines. I also aim to refute the false allegations made against me before the appropriate forum.”
Nonetheless, Mr. Co did not specify when he would return to the country. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
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