Ombudsman asks NBI to probe cause of DPWH-QC fire amid flood control inquiry

The Office of the Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to work with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire incident at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office in Quezon City on Wednesday, October 22.

“The Ombudsman is aware of the ongoing fire incident at the DPWH office in Quezon City. The Ombudsman has directed the immediate coordination with the NBI and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to determine the cause of the fire to establish whether arson or any deliberate act was committed,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

The incident happened in the middle of the ongoing investigations by various authorities, including the Ombudsman, on the flood control projects implemented by the DPWH.

Just a day ago, Ombudsman Remulla said the accused in cases involving ghost and substandard flood control projects will be required to return in full the amount they stole from the public coffers if they wished to enter into a plea bargain with the government, meaning to plead guilty to lesser offenses.

"Pwede mag plea-bargain basta may full restitution," Remulla said.

 (You can enter a plea bargain agreement as long as there is full restitution.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News