The Sandiganbayan will craft its own rules and procedures that would help expedite the filing of cases against personalities involved in cases related to the anomalous flood control projects, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
‘I was told that the Sandiganbayan is now trying to craft its own rules and procedures, probably for the continued trial of cases. I requested that already to the Presiding Justice [Geraldine Econg], 10 days ago,’ Remulla said in a press briefing on Monday.
He likewise revealed that the Office of the Ombudsman will start its preliminary investigation on six flood control-related cases in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro next week.
Remulla disclosed that they will start filing cases against the personalities before the anti-graft court by next month.
On September 20, the ICI submitted its first-ever interim report to the Ombudsman, flagging possible anomalies in a P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
In its 32-page report, the ICI urged the anti-graft body to determine appropriate charges against 18 public officials, including Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.
The project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways Region IV-B (Mimaropa) through contractor Sunwest, Inc., involves the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon earlier disclosed that the five cases in Bulacan involved officials from the district office and the contractors last October 14.