Contractors in panic, rushing to cover their tracks

Unscrupulous contractors are now in a mad rush to cover their tracks, say my sources, amid bombshell after bombshell of corruption-related exposés on flood control projects. Some are contemplating turning state witnesses while others are hurriedly packing their bags to flee the country, I heard.

- IRIS GONZALES

"Some contractors are willing to testify and identify those involved — from district engineers (DEs) to congressmen," a source said.

These corrupt contractors have every reason to be scared. After all, those found to be involved in this netherworld of corruption may face plunder charges — a non-bailable crime.

Any public official can be liable for plunder for amassing at least P50 million, and those guilty shall be punished by reclusion perpetua, according to the law.

In addition — and this is where the contractors fall — any person who participates with the said public officer in the commission of an offense contributing to the crime of plunder shall likewise be punished.

"In the imposition of penalties, the degree of participation and the attendance of mitigating and extenuating circumstances, as provided by the Revised Penal Code, shall be considered by the court. The court shall declare any and all ill-gotten wealth and their interests and other incomes and assets, including the properties and shares of stocks derived from the deposit or investment thereof, forfeited in favor of the State," according to Republic Act 7080, an Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder.

Against this backdrop, contractors are indeed jittery and anxious. Some, I've been told, are suddenly trying to remedy ghost projects by doing some last-minute construction work.

Ping Lacson's bombshell