Some flood control scandal suspects may be in jail before Christmas - Dizon

Some of those accused in corruption involving flood control projects are expected to be arrested before Christmas, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said on Friday, Oct. 24.

- By TRIXEE ROSEL

Dizon cited the Office of the Ombudsman's swift action on the complaint filed in September against several former DPWH officials and a private contractor for the looming arrest.

He explained that the cases stemmed from reports of irregularities in flood control projects that allegedly involved anomalous practices.

Among those named in the complaint were former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan 1st District assistant engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, and contractor Sarah Discaya of St. Timothy Construction Corporation.

"Ombudsman Boying Remulla said that the first case we filed on Sept. 13 is the fastest to get some personalities in jail. This includes notorious individuals from the First District of Bulacan-Alcantara, Hernandez, etcand Sarah Discaya," Dizon said.

He added that some of the accused may spend Christmas behind bars as the Ombudsman moves to finalize the proceedings.

Dizon noted that Remulla immediately initiated the process after assuming office, fast-tracking the government's efforts to curb corruption.

"I think it's just a matter of weeks because as soon as Ombudsman Boying Remulla took office, he started the process. We are close, and arrests will follow one after another," he said.