• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for pursuing evidence-based investigations into the flood control budget irregularities that have led to the filing of corruption and malversation cases, stressing the importance of accountability and cautioning against diversions that only protect the guilty and harm the innocent.
During the Senate plenary deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget on Tuesday, Escudero said the administration, as stated by Secretary Vince Dizon, has indeed chosen to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even when politically sensitive.
The Ombudsman has already filed corruption and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former DPWH Undersecretary Wilfredo Bernardo, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez, and directors of Sunwest Corporation in connection with flood control project anomalies.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICC), which has been tasked by the President to lead the investigations, also recommended yesterday the filing of criminal and administrative cases against eight more incumbent lawmakers, as well as Co, as it believes that they also served as contractors in the infrastructure projects
Reyes cited “conflict of interest,” emphasizing that lawmakers should not be performing the role of contractors in government infrastructure projects.
The ICC also turned over documents to the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the role of former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in the anomalies to determine possible administrative or criminal accountability under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and other applicable laws.
Escudero, in a statement, praised the PBBM administration for its determination to uphold justice, even when investigations touch close to home.
He noted that the President’s directive to “follow the evidence” has ensured that accountability is pursued consistently and without diversion.
Escudero reminded the public that while anger against corruption is justified, judgment must be based on facts and evidence, and not on speculation or intrigue.*
