Personalities linked to anomalous flood control projects already out of country

Some personalities linked to anomalous flood control projects already flew out of the country amid the ongoing probe, Senate blue ribbon committee chairperson Rodante Marcoleta said Wednesday. 

“Doon kasi sa mga pagtakas, hindi ko naman sinasabing tumakas na pero 'yung mga nagsasabi sa akin, patawarin ko na sila, ay nasa Amerika na talaga 'yung iba,” Marcoleta told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview. 

(Regarding escape, I'm not saying they really escaped but those who told me, I forgive them, are actually in America already.)

Marcoleta noted that the Senate panel has no power to issue a hold departure order but only to request for a lookout order against the involved personalities. 

“Ang Blue Ribbon naman kasi wala naman kaming power mag-issue ng hold departure order, korte lang,” he said. 

(The Blue Ribbon does not have the power to issue a hold departure order, only the court.) 

“So kinakailangan naming sundin ang mga proseso. Lookout order lang ang puwede naming i-request. So gagampanan namin 'yung task na 'yan under the circumstances,” he added. 

(So we need to follow the processes. We can only request a lookout order. So we will perform that task under the circumstances.)

Despite this, Marcoleta stressed that the Senate panel will not just let the personalities linked to anomalous flood control projects to skip the hearing. 

He warned of issuing arrest warrants if they will continue to ignore subpoenas.

Potential witness

Marcoleta also said that someone has expressed interest in identifying lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways officials who were involved in anomalous flood control projects.

“Meron nang lumalapit na gustong gawin. Medyo nag-aalangan nga lang sapagkat merong threat sa buhay nila,” he said.

(Someone who wants to divulge information is approaching us. That person is just a little hesitant because there is a threat to their lives.)

“Actually may nag-note na ganun. Sabi niya gusto ko sanang itama lahat ng ito. Nangangamba lang ako sa buhay naming mag-anak,” he added.

(That someone said, "I want to correct all this. But I was just worried about my family.")

Believing that contractors are “not the most guilty,” Marcoleta said he encouraged them to identify lawmakers and DPWH officials involved in anomalous flood control. 

In return, Marcoleta said criminal cases will not be filed against them and they will only face civil liability. 

“Kung papayag kayo na i-dispense natin ang criminal prosecution, civil liability kayo. You indemnify the government. Bayaran ninyo 'yung pagkakamali ninyo. Kung halimbawa defective, ayusin ninyo,” he said. 

(If you agree we will dispense with criminal prosecution, you will face civil liability. You indemnify the government. Pay for your mistakes. For example, if the project is defective, fix it.)

“Pero magturo kayo. So 'yung ituturo ninyo will be subjected to criminal prosecution. Ganun ang gawin natin,” he added.

(But you identify those involved lawmakers and DPWH personnel. Those identified officials will be subjected to criminal prosecution. That’s what we will do.)

Marcoleta clarified that former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan may still face liability even though he was excused from the Senate hearing on Monday following his resignation. —AOL, GMA Integrated News