Ombudsman urges NBI: Pursue Davao flood control probe

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to pursue its investigation on alleged irregularities in government-funded infrastructure projects in Davao City.

“I hope the NBI’s ongoing investigation in Davao continues,” Remulla said in the “Executive Session” program on dzRH yesterday.

According to earlier reports, the NBI is looking into allegations that a single contractor named Genesis 88 bagged around P7 billion worth of flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao City – previously labeled by the Ombudsman as the “epicenter” of anomalous flood control projects – from 2018 to 2024.

Six of the 51 flood control projects in the city flagged by the NBI could be considered “ghost” or nonexistent.

Remulla made the remark after one of the program’s hosts brought up the issue of the NBI examining the affidavit filed by former policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. stating that he had delivered suitcases containing P2 billion to Vice President Sara Duterte. Gracioso also claimed in his affidavit of having delivered cash in suitcases to the Vice President’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte and to her brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.