Flood control whistleblowers may get witness protection

MANILA, Philippines — Senators yesterday welcomed a contractor’s decision to come forward as a potential whistleblower in the alleged multibillion-peso corruption scheme in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with Sen. Panfilo Lacson describing it as a “good sign.”

“That’s a good thing, but there are certain rules when it comes to the witness protection program. We need the materiality of the testimony, which can either be standalone or corroborated by other evidences, and the witness must not be the most guilty, he said over radio dwIZ.

“Many are coming forward, we’re just sorting them. There are contractors and there are DPWH insiders,” he added.

He explained that a potential witness must first provide a draft affidavit to determine the materiality of the testimony before discussions can proceed, especially with prospects of parliamentary immunity.

For Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, the disclosure of a contractor could help expose the full scope of the network involved.

“I welcome this development as a critical step toward unmasking the entire network behind these irregularities. The contractor’s willingness to tell all must lead to full disclosure. Name all, from the contractor to the government officials,” Gatchalian said.

“Remember, if no one will accept bribes, no one will commit bribery,” he said, adding that the process must result in accountability.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier confirmed that a lawyer representing one of the 15 contractors previously flagged by President Marcos had approached him and indicated the client’s intent to turn state witness. The contractor is linked to flood control projects worth P5 billion in Central Luzon.

Doubts about Bonoan

While welcoming the prospect of a whistleblower, Lacson also raised doubts about Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s handling of corruption allegations in the DPWH.

“I just hope that he is not involved…either you’re in cahoots or you don’t know what you’re doing,” he said.

Lacson added that it is up to Bonoan or the President, as appointing authority, to decide on resignation.

He also noted that DPWH actions have so far been “reactive” rather than preventive, citing ghost projects in Bulacan.

“Ghost projects in Bulacan have been there a long time. In the first engineering district alone, there are 30,” Lacson said.

He criticized Bonoan’s earlier remarks downplaying ghost projects as “isolated cases.”