The Office of the Ombudsman has uncovered a paper trail and bank transactions linking several high-ranking government officials to anomalous flood control projects, according to ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Remulla revealed that his office is now preparing to file ‘many’ cases before the Sandiganbayan, which will involve ‘higher officials.’
‘Yesterday, I spoke with the Sandiganbayan. They are preparing for a continuous trial because we are set to file numerous cases that will involve high-ranking officials,’ Remulla said in Filipino in a press briefing on Tuesday.
‘We have already obtained a substantial amount of data, which continues to come in gradually. It clearly shows money being transferred from one account to another, not in cash, but through bank-to-bank transactions, which is why we have solid evidence,’ he added.
Remulla likewise disclosed that his office has also sought the help of the Anti-Money Laundering Council in the preparation and filing of these ‘big cases.’
During the same briefing, Remulla received the findings of the Department of Justice following its investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said they turned over five cases covering reported ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.
These cases involve officials from Bulacan’s district office and contractors who may have committed violations under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (malversation), Article 171 (falsification by public officers), Article 183 (perjury), and Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). /gsg