DOJ forms task force to probe flood projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a special task force to investigate alleged corruption and bid-rigging in flood control projects, according to resigned National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Jaime Santiago.

In an interview with radio dzRH yesterday, Santiago said Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon will chair the Public Works Corruption and Bid-Rigging Task Force, with the NBI’s Public Corruption Division acting as lead investigator.

“While the task force is being finalized, I already instructed the deputy director for operations to begin the work, especially in the areas visited by the President,” Santiago said in Filipino.

He added that the NBI is consolidating reports from its regional offices, which will be submitted to the DOJ as early as next week.

“We are finalizing everything so that by Tuesday or Wednesday, we can submit our report,” he said.

On questions about whether contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya should be placed under the witness protection program, Santiago said the DOJ would carefully evaluate the matter.

“What the Discayas said should not be taken as the gospel truth. The investigation has to be fair,” he stressed.

Santiago also welcomed other whistle-blowers and gave assurance that all information will be assessed and verified.

He added that the bureau is ready to appear before congressional hearings on the alleged anomalies.

“Even if some deny involvement, if the investigation shows they are implicated, then there is nothing we can do about that,” Santiago said.