Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito said the Senate would keep pursuing accountability in the multibillion-peso flood-control scandal despite Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Ejercito said Thursday that the Office of the Ombudsman was preparing criminal charges against people linked to flood-control projects. He cited Ombudsman Boying Remulla’s statement that eight House members allegedly linked to contractors could be next charged.
“Ongoing ang preparation ng Ombudsman para sa pagsasampa ng criminal charges against those involved in flood control projects scandal. Ang sabi ni Ombudsman [Jesus Crispin Remulla], walong ‘congtractors’ ang next na makakasuhan,” Ejercito said.
The term “congtractors” refers to lawmakers allegedly linked to companies that secured projects. Ejercito said investigators must also identify those who pushed allocations and helped direct public money to questioned contracts.
“Dapat matukoy at mapanagot ang iba pang tunay na mga salarin, partikular ang mga ‘congtractor’ at ang mga nagpasimuno ng mga allocables,” he added.
The Ombudsman received the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s partial report on May 12. The report and supporting evidence were sent to help the antigraft body investigate lawmakers, intermediaries and Department of Public Works and Highways personnel.
Ejercito rejected claims that Duterte’s impeachment trial would push the flood-control issue aside.
“May nagsasabing ginagamit ang impeachment para matabunan ang isyu ng flood control. Hindi totoo yun. Hindi pa tapos ang imbestigasyon at sisiguraduhin nating maipagpapatuloy ito. Walang dapat makalusot sa paglustay ng pera ng taumbayan,” he stressed.
Duterte’s impeachment trial opened on July 6. House prosecutors began with Article IV, which accused her of making grave threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Ejercito said the Senate would continue its legislative and oversight work during the trial. This includes the proposed 2027 national budget and other investigations, which he said must keep moving as the chamber carries out its duties.
