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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.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DoJ) indicated that the NBI has advised the prosecution of the 21 individuals for \u201ccase build-up\u201d with the National Prosecution Service.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo 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,\u201d the DoJ remarked.<\/p>\n
The DoJ disclosed the roster which includes: Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy \u201cZaldy\u201d S. Co., Senator Francis \u201cChiz\u201d G. Escudero, Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, Senator Jose \u201cJinggoy\u201d P. Estrada, and former Senator Ramon \u201cBong\u201d B. Revilla, Jr.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The DOJ remarked that the individuals included on the list are based on the sworn declarations of Messrs. Alcantara, Hernandez, Mendoza, and Bernardo.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir testimonies provided the foundation for identifying these individuals as having substantial initial connections to the actions under scrutiny,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n
Mr. Escudero was succeeded as Senate president earlier this month after he acknowledged receiving campaign contributions from a contractor but refuted influencing contract allocations.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cfalse and unfounded.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Philippine Senate is examining discrepancies in the DPWH flood-mitigation initiatives, which have garnered around P500 billion since 2022.<\/p>\n