SC to designate special courts for corruption cases in flood control scandal

Amid allegations of irregularities stemming from the flood control scandal, the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday said it will designate special courts dedicated to corruption-related cases arising from the government’s infrastructure projects.

“The SC En Banc has directed the OCA (Office of the Court Administrator) to monitor the filing of cases involving corruption in infrastructure projects before the Regional Trial Courts,” the High Court said.

It added: “Once such cases are filed, the SC will designate special courts to exclusively hear and decide corruption-related cases arising from infrastructure projects.”

The High Court’s move to designate special courts exclusively for cases linked to the flood control controversy came a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said authorities are building up solid, strong cases against the culprits to prevent them from getting away with the theft of public funds.

Marcos pointed out that the government only has one chance to file charges and hold the perpetrators of the flood control scandal accountable for their crimes.

According to Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, losses from anomalous flood control projects could reach up to trillions of pesos.

In addition, the SC assured that it continues to implement reforms under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022– 2027 (SPIJ), which includes the development of eCourt PH and other digitalization projects.

The High Court said these reforms are being implemented in all court levels to enhance the “efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the judiciary.”

“Through the SPJI, the SC seeks to address the long-standing problems of delay and case backlog by institutionalizing efficient processes, adopting innovative solutions, and expanding access to justice for all,” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News