Sandigan: Flood control trial finished in 6-8 months

MANILA, Philippines — Despite an expected “deluge of cases,” the Sandiganbayan is aiming to expedite the trial of perpetrators of the flood control corruption – and finish it in six to eight months.

The Office of the Ombudsman is expected to file cases against those involved in flood control anomalies by next month.

In an interview on GMA News Tuesday night, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg assured the public that the justices of the anti-graft court are ready to conduct a speedy but fair trial.

“We (Sandiganbayan justices) can also do our share in making sure that there is accountability when it comes to people who are charged… We’re prepared for the deluge of cases. Kung kailangan may mananagot, pananagutin natin (If someone needs to be held accountable, we will hold him accountable). But there’s always due process,” Econg said.

She said the Sandiganbayan is set to submit to the Supreme Court its new rules on expedited proceedings for the high tribunal’s approval.

If approved, the entire proceedings of corruption cases – from the arraignment of the accused, presentation of evidence and eventually to promulgation of judgement – can be finished in six to eight months.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo vowed to immediately review the Sandiganbayan’s suggestion.

“So any suggestions or recommendations from the Sandiganbayan as to expedite the cases involving flood control projects, for sure we will review immediately, see to it that they are implemented and properly drafted,” Gesmundo said on the sidelines of the celebration of the third anniversary of SC’s five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations.

Under the proposed internal rules, five to 10 days shall be allotted for the arraignment and pre-trial proceedings once the accused is arrested or has voluntarily surrendered, while 120 days shall be allotted for the trial proper with the prosecution and the defense having 60 days each to present their respective evidence.

Once the trial is terminated and the case is submitted for decision, the court division handling the case must issue its judgement within 60 days.

“We will give the ponente 40 days (to write the decision). The most senior member who is not a ponente 10 days to review and then the junior, another 10 days to review, so 60 days (in total),” Econg explained.

She said that while she cannot promise conviction as the judgement must be based on the evidence, she can guarantee a decision in less than a year from the filing of the cases.

“So, by next year we will have [decisions]. I cannot assure you kung makulong (if someone will be put in prison), but we will have decisions,” Econg said.

Meanwhile, Econg said the anti-graft court is also open to the possibility of livestreaming the hearings of the flood control cases, subject to the approval of the SC.

“If that’s the clamor, we will reiterate a request (to the SC). And the beauty of continuous trial, because I have tried it several times when I was in the lower court, even the media, even the public who sits, you would know whether the accused would be guilty or not,” Econg said.

“If the Supreme Court allows, of course we are (going to livestream) because we are not hiding anything,” she added.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the preliminary investigation on six flood control projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro has already begun.

The ongoing investigation is in connection with the complaint filed by the Department of Public Works and Highways last Sept. 11 involving P249 million worth of anomalous flood control projects in Malolos, Hagonoy, Baliwag, Bulakan and Calumpit in Bulacan implemented by the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

Also subject of the ombudsman’s preliminary investigation is the report recently submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) involving P289.5 million worth of flood control projects in Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro implemented by the DPWH Region IV-B through contractor Sunwest Inc. in 2024.

In its report, the ICI urged the ombudsman to determine appropriate charges against 18 public officials, including resigned congressman Zaldy Co.