Ombudsman eyes prosecution on 12-15 ‘congtractors’

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve to 15 congressmen are facing prosecution for doubling as contractors for government infrastructure projects in violation of the law, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

At a briefing on Friday, Remulla said the 12 to 15 lawmakers comprised the “low-lying fruits” among the 67 “congtractors” being investigated. The term “congtractors” used by Remulla is short for congressmen-contractors.

“Of the 67, after studying the list, the low-lying fruits there that can be easily proved will be 12 to 15, I think. For the rest, we have to weave more data and evidence. I’m just being realistic,” Remulla said.

“Because while we know that they were involved, how can we prove it? Our job is to prove (the allegations) in court. That’s the job of the Special Prosecutor under the direction of the ombudsman,” he added.

Remulla did not give names but he told reporters that cases would definitely be filed soon with the Sandiganbayan.

Prior to his appointment as ombudsman, the then justice chief revealed ongoing investigation of 100 to 200 people involved in the flood control project anomalies nationwide.

Among those being investigated were 67 people with “proven interests, conflicts of interest existing in the halls of Congress.”

Public officials are prohibited from directly or indirectly having financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction with the government, based on Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Remulla said the public can expect the first batch of cases in connection with the flood control scam to be filed with the Sandiganbayan by November.

While emphasizing that he does not want to impose deadlines, Remulla said cases would be filed against perpetrators of corruption “sooner than many people would think.”

The ombudsman started its investigation on the flood control project anomalies in Bulacan last month following a criminal complaint filed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon last Sept. 11.

Subjects of the ombudsman’s investigation are 20 officials of the DPWH-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) and five private contractors, including Sarah Discaya.

The ombudsman is also conducting a fact-finding investigation on the alleged involvement of audit commissioner Mario Lipana in the supposed budget insertions for flood control projects in Bulacan, wherein his wife, a private contractor, was able to corner several contracts.

Remulla said he was informed during the briefing that those under investigation have already filed their respective counter affidavits.

He said he is seeing a swift conduct of investigation considering that the Commission on Audit and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure have already transmitted their respective inputs.

“This is such an urgent matter to be resolved and we will do it as soon as possible,” Remulla said.

The ombudsman said he is set to meet with Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg next week to discuss the possibility of assigning a special division that would exclusively hear the flood control cases.

He also said the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service is wrapping up its case build-up against several people allegedly involved in flood control anomalies. The NPS, he said, will transmit its findings to the ombudsman.