Ex-DPWH usec eyed vs budget insertion proponents

Former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is being eyed as a witness against the proponents in Congress of the budget insertions for anomalous flood control projects, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed yesterday.

- ELIZABETH MARCELO

At a press briefing, Clavano said that while it is easier to prove the liabilities of the district engineers allegedly involved in the substandard and ghost flood control projects, the ombudsman intends to go after the higher-ups, particularly those in Congress.

"When we talk about ghost projects in Bulacan, we can easily find evidence... But the legal theory tends to change when you're talking about including the proponents in such a large-scale (scam). We all know, and it has been revealed in several statements and testimonies of witnesses and respondents, that it is a systematic thing in Congress," Clavano said, referring to the budget insertions for flood control projects.

Clavano said Bernardo’s testimony would be crucial in establishing Congress' "systematic approach" in inserting allocations for flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

"We can assume that at the heart of (budget insertions) is the appropriations committee. This is where the approval of budget happens before going to the bicameral committee. So that is one thing that we want to clarify with Usec. Bernardo - kung ano ba talagang naging sistema diyan sa taas (what really was the system up there)," Clavano added.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla last week said that resigned congressman Zaldy Co, the former chairman of the House of Representatives appropriations committee, is among the first batch of individuals likely to be charged before the Sandiganbayan in connection with flood control corruption.