Ex-DPWH

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“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.

Clavano said the ombudsman and the Department of Justice are still gathering testimonial and material evidence to build strong cases against those involved in the anomalies, especially higher ranking officials.

He also made it clear there is “absolutely no chance” now for contractor spouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya to be state witnesses, saying it is almost certain that they are among the first to be charged in court.

“The Discayas, due to their uncooperative behavior now, there’s absolutely no chance that they can even become state witnesses anymore,” Clavano said.