The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the prosecution of 21 individuals, including three incumbent senators, in connection with alleged irregularities in flood control projects, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, Sept. 26.
In its press statement, the DOJ emphasized that those named must respond to the serious allegations under the rule of law.
The possible charges include violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, indirect bribery under Article 111 of the Revised Penal Code, and malversation of public funds under Article 217.
Those recommended for prosecution are:
- Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co
- Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero
- Senator Emmanuel Joel Jose Villanueva
- Senator Jose “Jingoy Estrada” Pimentel Ejercito Jr.
- Alias “Beng Ramos”
- Alias “Mina”
- Former Caloocan 2nd District representative Mary Mitzi “Mitch” Lim Cajayon-Uy
- Mr. Maynard S. Ngu
- Former senator Ramon Bautista “Bong” Revilla Jr.
- Ms. Carleen Y. Villa
- Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo
- Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Henry C. Alcantara
- Mr. John Carlo Rivera
- Ms. Linda “Victoria” Macanas
- Mr. Juanito Mendoza, CPA
- Ms. Sally Nicolas Santos
- Mr. Jesse Mahusay
- Alias “Andrei Balatbat”
- Former DPWH assistant district engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez
- Former DPWH assistant district engineer Jaypee D. Mendoza
- DPWH Project Engineer Arjay D. Domasig
The DOJ stated that the recommendation will undergo a rigorous case build-up under the National Prosecution Service.
The release of names followed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla’s disclosure on Thursday, Sept. 25, that the NBI’s recommendation was based on testimonies presented during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.
According to the DOJ, the sworn statements of Engineer Henry Alcantara, Engineer Brice Hernandez, Engineer Jaypee Mendoza, and former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo were instrumental in identifying the individuals with preliminary links to the alleged misconduct.
The DOJ also expressed its readiness to hand over all files and supporting documents to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), asserting that an independent body is best positioned to conduct a comprehensive and impartial review of the evidence, free from political influence or speculation.
Meanwhile, DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV assured that the NBI continues to investigate other officials mentioned during the Senate hearings who have not yet been recommended for prosecution.
He noted that the bureau is working to strengthen the evidence to make the cases ripe for referral to the National Prosecution Service. (Jeffrey Damicog)
