DOJ to expedite preliminary probe on anomalous flood control projects

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will expedite the conduct of preliminary investigations on charges involving the "anomalous" flood control projects of the government.

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG, DHEL NAZARIO, and TRIXEE ROSEL

Criminal complaints undergo preliminary investigation to determine whether the charges will be filed in court or dismissed.

DOJ Spokesperson and Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez confirmed during an interview on PTV's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that the DOJ will start on Nov. 10 the preliminary investigation on the charges filed in the five flood control projects in Pandi and Balagtas, both in Bulacan.

Martinez said the rules provide that preliminary investigations should be done in 60 days.

However, he said "the current mandate of the DOJ is to do it even faster than the 60 days prescribed under the rules."

Earlier, the DOJ had said that the respondents in the five flood control projects in Bulacan have been subpoenaed for the preliminary investigation starting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Apart from these cases, Martinez said the DOJ continues to investigate other suspected anomalous flood control projects.

"The department is doing its best. We have been coordinating with different government agencies, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) included, NBI as well, and law enforcement agencies," he said.

Code of Ethics violations

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is asking the Office of the Ombudsman whether or not former DPWH officials led by exsecretary Manuel Bonoan committed potential violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees in connection with a P72.3-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.

Also referred to the Ombudsman along with Bonoan were the names of former undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral.