DOJ eyeing to finish preliminary probe for Bulacan ghost projects in 1 month

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing to issue subpoenas and begin the preliminary investigation on complaints involving five ghost flood control projects in Bulacan within a month, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said on Thursday.

“We’re working within a month period. ‘Yun na ang pinaka mabilis. One month period for us to conduct PI and then to conclude it. I cannot guarantee na matatapos in one month but we are endeavoring,” he said in a briefing.

(We’re working within a month period. That’s the fastest. One month period for us to conduct PI and then to conclude it. I cannot guarantee that it will be finished in one month but we are endeavoring.)

He said that the issuance of the subpoenas will also be done within the same period.

After the preliminary investigation, prosecutors will decide if the complaints will be dismissed or filed before regional trial courts.

The DOJ initially referred its recommendation to file graft, malversation, perjury and falsification of public documents charges against officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Bulacan First District Engineering Office and several contractors to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla later returned the information against the respondents and deputized the DOJ for the prosecution of the charges, including the conduct of the preliminary investigation and the filing of the cases.

Asked why the Ombudsman returned the case to the jurisdiction of the DOJ, Martinez urged the public not to speculate on the Ombudsman’s reasons.

“We should not speculate na mahina ang ebidensya… The sole reason is that it’s the sole discretion of the Ombudsman, in his judgment, that the DOJ… will be in the best position to conduct preliminary investigation,” he said.

(We should not speculate that the evidence is weak… The sole reason is that it’s the sole discretion of the Ombudsman, in his judgment, that the DOJ… will be in the best position to conduct preliminary investigation.)

“Kasi, in the first instance, at the outset, kami po ang nag evaluate ng evidence na ito. Pinasa po sa Ombudsman,” he added.

(Because in the first instance, at the outset, we evaluated this evidence and submitted it to the Ombudsman.)

Meanwhile, Martinez reiterated the DOJ’s position that requiring individuals applying for witness protection to first return their illegally-obtained wealth is provided under Section 5 of Republic Act 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act.

He stressed that restitution is a legal obligation.

“Common sense lang po ‘yan. Meron silang ninakaw? Kailangan ibalik. Obligasyon nila ‘yun… We would like to pursue justice here,” he said.

(That’s just common sense. Did they steal something? They need to return it. That’s their obligation… We would like to pursue justice here.)

When asked about contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, Martinez said the Discayas have yet to inform the DOJ that they are backing out of the Witness Protection Program.

He added that the couple has not yet expressed any intention to return any illegally-obtained wealth or assets.

Meanwhile, no freeze orders have been against lawmakers’ assets yet, Martinez said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News