Christmas behind bars for 40 suspects in flood control project scandal

Christmas won't be merry for those involved in the massive multi-billion-peso flood control anomalies, President Marcos warned, as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon bared that more than 40 individuals involved in this scandal would likely be in jail as early as November this year.

- By BETHEENA UNITE, TRIXIE ROSEL, and ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Speaking at a press conference in Malacañan on Thursday morning, Nov. 13, Marcos said that the suspects' happy days are numbered.

"I think-no, I don't just think...

I know that before Christmas, many of those who have been named here will have their cases completed, and they will be imprisoned," Marcos said. "They won't have a merry Christmas. Before Christmas, they'll be in jail."

In a separate statement, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed that more than 40 individuals involved in flood control anomalies in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro would likely stay in jail as early as November this year.

Dizon said criminal charges related to the anomalous projects are expected to be filed soon.

'We will go after you'

The President made a public statement amid growing concerns that after 100 days, there is still no accountability in the massive infrastructure mess.

He showed up for his President's Report three months after he declared the investigation of anomalous and non-existent or "ghost" flood control projects during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In his lengthy report, Marcos reiterated the three key objectives of the investigation being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)-to hold the culprits accountable, to recover the money they have stolen, and to implement reforms.

"Those who are involved in this corruption will be held accountable.

Second, the government will recover the money they have stolen.

Third, we will implement reforms so that this kind of corruption will never happen again," Marcos said.

"So to those people who conspired in this those shameless individuals who steal the people's money-your happy days are over. We're going after you," Marcos warned.

Key officials face multiple charges