The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has issued subpoenas to five respondents in connection with the alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said in a message to reporters that the preliminary investigation into the cases will begin on November 10.
When asked who was issued subpoenas, Fadullon did not name specific individuals but said the summons were sent to ‘all the respondents in the five cases.’
Last week, Fadullon said subpoenas would be served to former district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Arjay Domasig and JP Mendoza.
In a separate message to reporters, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed that the subpoenas were served last week.
Last month, the DOJ submitted the prosecution’s findings on the alleged anomalies in the flood control projects to the Office of the Ombudsman for review.
However, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla returned the recommendations to the DOJ, directing the department to conduct the preliminary investigation instead.
The DOJ’s decision was based on the fact that most government officials recommended for prosecution hold a salary grade of 26 or below, which falls under the department’s authority to investigate and file cases before the regional trial courts (RTCs).
Once filed in court, the Supreme Court said on October 30 that it will designate special courts within the RTCs to exclusively handle corruption cases arising from anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, government officials with Salary Grade 27 and above will fall under the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan.