Remulla: Possible whistleblower on flood projects approached me

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he was approached by a lawyer who represents one of the top 15 contractors that were awarded government-funded flood control projects.

"I have been approached by a lawyer representing a potential whistleblower and they have told me—, he's given me an idea of what happened in one of the projects in Central Luzon, in projects worth P5 billion. Ghost projects," Remulla said in a briefing.

"Siya 'yung lawyer ng isang kumpanya na nasa top 15 na binanggit ng Pangulo (He's a lawyer of a company that is in the top 15 mentioned by the President)," he later added. 

The government is investigating alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vow in his last State of the Nation Address that those involved in anomalous contracts would be held accountable. 

Marcos has also bared that 20% of the total P545-billion budget of flood control projects was awarded to only 15 contractors.

The Justice secretary said the possible whistleblower said he may inform the government about the modus operandi, the distribution of money, the contracts, and irregularities.

"Hindi pa tumutuloy. Nagbigay lang sa akin ng idea na 'yung contractor ang kinuha 40%, ang DPWH ganto, na ma-encash 'yung pera… kahit na DPWH lang ang payable sa contractor. Basta't marami nang modus na sinabi sa akin nu'ng Sabado," he said.

(He's not yet a whistleblower. He only gave me an idea that the contractor took 40%, the DPWH took this amount, and the money can be encashed even if the DPWH is the only payable contractor. He told me a lot about the modus on Saturday.) 

"Kaya bukas, tingin ko may lalapit na sa akin (I think someone will approach me tomorrow)," he added.

Remulla said he is waiting for evidence from the lawyer.

According to the Justice chief, the possible whistleblower must first write a letter to signify their intent to help the government "and that they are willing to divulge information and they just want the assurance of the government that they will be protected."

Remulla added that other whistleblowers are welcome to approach the Justice Department and, if needed, may be admitted into the Witness Protection Program. — VDV, GMA Integrated News