Ombudsman: Raps out soon vs. 2 'big fish' in flood control mess

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday said two “big fish” are expected to face charges in the coming days in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by Jonathan Andal, several cases are set to be filed as investigations into the scheme progress.

“Of the big fish, may isa tayong tingin kong hinog na hinog. Papasok na. May isa pang yung PI nadelay nang kaunti, pero malapit na din ‘yun… Marami pa tayong ibang ina-eye na cases kaya within the next few days, maraming ifa-file sa Sandigan at sa RTC. Kagaya ng kahapon, yung kay Discaya,” Remulla said.

(“Of the big fish, we have one that I think is already very ripe—it’s about to move forward. Another one had a slight delay with the preliminary investigation, but it’s also happening soon. We’re eyeing several other cases, so many will be filed in the next few days, both with the Sandiganbayan and the RTC—just like yesterday’s case involving the Discayas.”)

While Remulla did not identify the officials involved, he confirmed sending a letter to Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III requesting that a senator be prevented from leaving the country.

In response, Sotto said he has yet to officially receive the Ombudsman's letter.

He clarified, however, that senators are not required to secure travel authority for personal trips abroad.

“I have not received the letter officially… Members of the Senate and officials of the legislative department are not required to obtain a travel authority for personal travel. In Senate Policy Order No. 2016-003 (OSP), Series of 2016, it is stated that only official travels are subject to the prior approval of the Senate President,” he said.

Linked names respond

Former Senator Bong Revilla—who is also under investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure—was among those whose names have been linked to the controversy.

“I am an easy target being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out. Ginagamit ang aking pangalan para malihis sa katotohanan—ngunit ang katotohanan kailanman ay hindi matatakpan,” he said in a statement.

(“I am an easy target being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out. My name is being dragged to divert attention — but the truth can never be concealed.”)

“I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. Hindi ako tumakbo, hindi ako nagtago. Hindi ako umurong noon, hindi ako uurong ngayon. At dahil ang katotohanan ay nasa aking panig, haharapin ko ito nang buong tapang at paninindigan,” he added.

(“I have lived my life facing every challenge thrown my way. I did not run; I did not hide. I did not back down then, and I will not back down now. And because the truth is on my side, I will face this with courage and conviction.”)

Remulla also mentioned the former Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas undersecretary Terrence Calatrava as among those being probed.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to Calatrava for comment and will update this story once he responds.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/MCG, GMA Integrated News