The Independent Infrastructure Commission (ICI) on Tuesday recommended the filing of lawsuits with allegations of “collusion” on the previous sides of the public and contractors, including “ghost” glook “ghost” ghost “.
In a statement, Chairman Andres B. Reyes, Jr.
A report by the Commission on Audit (COA) confirmed that the project is not in its target area. Instead, a different site was shown in the “built” programs, with no documentation explaining the change.
“The results of the technical inspection of the Coa, as well as the available records, established that the project was never built in the designated area despite the full payment of the contract costs,” said Mr. Reyes.
The ICI found that several DPWH officials were “very negligent, if not sane” in ensuring the proper execution and legalization of public funds. It is also suspected that there is conflict between implementing officials and contractors, which leads to undue damage to the government.
The commission recommended the filing of charges for violations of anti-corruption practices, murder, and falsification of public documents under the Public Preport Deform Act and the President’s Public Procurement No. 1759.
ICI also urged the Ombudsman to investigate whether DPWH Secretary M. Bonoan and Undersecretaries Roberto R. Bernardo and Maria Catalina E.
Mr Bonoan, who left last September amid allegations of corruption involving flood control projects, initially said he had no involvement in any wrongdoing. Mr Bernardo also denied any wrongdoing, saying his conscience was clear.
ICI insisted that it does not receive a discovery of the division of the case, adding that debt “rests with the relevant authorities.” The transfer, it said, is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of public finances.
‘Flood of cases’
During the filing, Mr. Reyes said the Commission expects its work to accelerate in the coming months, noting that the budget process is progressing well and will allow the employment of more lawyers and investigators to handle the growing number of cases.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Rella, who received the referral, said his office will begin receiving cases before deciding whether the cases should proceed to preliminary investigation.
“We’ll get to the truth quickly,” said Mr Remulland, noting that the referral may require additional documents to support the filing of the preliminary investigation.
“Also because you have to inform the suspect of their rights and you have to have the right allegations presented,” he added.
Tuesday’s referral was the third referral by ICI to the Ombudsman, which the Commissioner said would follow in the coming weeks.
Mr. Remulla said a similar investigation is being carried out by the Department of Justice of the Building Work on Infrastructure Anomalies, led by Jesse Hermogenes Hermogenes T. Andres in liaison with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The Task Force, according to Mr. Andres also examines the patterns of “Kickback” that can include public officials and rights holders.
Mr. Remulla revealed other details that could include recommendations to charge officials with unparalleled violence, perhaps extending to high-ranking institutions, including the former speaker of the house and other legislators.
“It’s a novel idea. I know we’re crossing the line of general legal theory. But we have to stretch a bit,” said Mr. Rella. “At the very least, negligence should be charged to those who held their offices.”
Commissioner and former secretary of DPWW WOKRACY ROLelio “Babs” L. Singson, said the first discovery points to “complete discovery” between DPHWH offices, law enforcement, and contractors.
“Congress, DPWHWH, even the monitoring agencies were involved,” said Mr. Singson. “Without the role of DPWH officials, none of this would be possible.”
Mr Undella said the Ombudsman expects the “flood of cases” to extend to 2026, estimating that more than 1,000 infrastructure projects across the country are under review. About 400 lawyers will handle these cases, he said, and additional staff will be hired.
“High profile cases will get more attention,” he added. “High position, great responsibility.” – Erika Mae P. Sinoaking
