Ombudsman: 4 more lawmakers face flood control preliminary probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday disclosed that there are four more congressmen under preliminary investigation in connection with the anomalous flood control projects.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that there are at least 79 cases linked to the alleged irregularities of flood control government projects in the country, with 25 cases under preliminary investigation.

READ: Ombudsman report: 39 flood mess cases filed

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Of the 79 cases, at least 67 were accused, involving one senator, one former senator, four congressmen, one former congressman, one former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary, 39 DPWH personnel, nine contractors, two congressional staff, and nine private individuals.

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“Ongoing ito because the contractor case is ongoing and we have another congressman on the block there sa flood control,” Remulla said at a press conference.

(”This is ongoing because the contractor case is ongoing and we have another congressman on the block there in flood control,”)

When asked about the individual under preliminary investigation, he said “Four more congressmen, pending filing,”

Meanwhile, Remulla said that there are two non-bailable plunder cases and 22 malversation of public funds cases, “which is also non-bailable because the amount is above P8.8 million.”

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He added that there are also 55 violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

He said approximately P10.78 billion is reportedly linked to cases involving the flood control projects.

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“So far, meron kami ebidensya sa 10.78 billion na covered ng kaso,” he said.

(“So far, we have evidence regarding the 10.78 billion covered by the case.”) /mr