Some of those accused in the alleged flood control corruption scandal may be behind bars by Christmas, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said Friday, Oct. 24, citing the Ombudsman’s swift action on complaints filed last September.
The cases stemmed from reports of irregularities in flood control projects involving former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and a private contractor.
Among those named are former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan 1st District assistant engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, and contractor Sarah Discaya of St. Timothy Construction Corporation.
“Ombudsman Boying Remulla said the first case we filed on September 13 is the fastest to get some personalities in jail. This includes notorious individuals from the First District of Bulacan—Alcantara, Hernandez, et cetera—and Sarah Discaya,” Dizon said.
He added that arrests could happen within weeks, as Remulla immediately initiated proceedings upon assuming office.
“We are close, and arrests will follow one after another,” Dizon said.
In preparation for possible detentions, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla inspected the Quezon City Jail–Male Dormitory and the Pasay City Jail.
The Quezon City facility is designated for detainees with Salary Grade 27 and above, while Pasay will house those with Salary Grade 26 and below. Remulla assured that both jails are ready should the Ombudsman order immediate detention of those involved in the alleged scam. (Trixee Rosel)
