Bong Revilla, Zaldy Co included as respondents in Bulacan ghost projects —DOJ

Former senator Bong Revilla and former lawmaker Zaldy Co were included as respondents in two complaints involving ghost flood control projects in Bulacan at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Prosecutor General Richard “Dong” Fadullon said Friday.

According to Fadullon, the two were included as “proponents.”

“Initially, those who were charged in those two cases only involved DPWH officials. Eventually, there were pieces of evidence submitted by the National Bureau of Investigation and this time included proponents,” he said.

When asked who the additional respondents were, Fadullon said these were Revilla and Co.

According to Justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez, Revilla was added in the complaint involving SYMS Construction.

Meanwhile, Fadullon said that of the five complaints, three have been submitted for resolution.

“So we’re just awaiting the resolution of the panel. We’re just expecting that to be out before the 15th of December,” he said.

The Justice Department earlier conducted a preliminary investigation on the remaining two complaints still undergoing preliminary probe at the department.

Sought extension

According to Fadullon, Revilla asked for an extension in the filing of his counter-affidavit. 

“There’s a request for extension to file the counter-affidavit. So the panel will act accordingly… we just have to see and await the results of the preliminary investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also expressed hope that the preliminary investigation for the remaining two complaints will be completed by December 15.

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.—AOL, GMA Integrated News