00:00Several flood control projects in Bulacan, around 100 million pesos worth each, were reportedly categorized as completed.
00:07But upon inspection of the Department of Justice, or DOJ, no such flood mitigation structures were visible.
00:13Our Luisa Erispe has the details in this story.
00:18The Department of Justice, or DOJ, has found pieces of evidence to prove that there are ghost flood control projects,
00:25particularly in the 1st District of the Province of Bulacan.
00:28According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Rimulia, the National Bureau of Investigation found the coordinates of the projects,
00:36and upon checking, there is no existing project within the area.
00:39They just validated the information of three ghost projects that they found within the coordinates given in the Isumpong Mukay Pangulo website.
00:51Ando na yung tatlong coordinates of three ghost projects, so they're just tying up the loose ends.
00:58So that we can find a case on that.
01:00Projects amount to a total of 300 million pesos.
01:03Each costs about a hundred million.
01:06Based on the initial investigation, there are only one or two contractors awarded with this project.
01:12On the average, it would be 300 million at 100 million per district, per project package.
01:17Kasi parang naging pattern na 96 million, 97 million, 100 million, 95 million.
01:24Naging pattern na yan eh.
01:25So if you talk about three packages, then that's around 300 million.
01:29The DOJ is still gathering enough evidence as part of their case buildup.
01:34They are eyeing to file plunder or malversation cases against those involved.
01:38The department vows that regardless of an individual's status, if he or she is involved, cases will be filed and possible penalty of reclusion perpetua or lifetime imprisonment awaits.
01:50We will throw the whole book at these people.
01:55Everything that we know about prosecuting crimes against the people.
02:07On the request of former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Rodante Marcoleta to make Curly and Sara Diskaya as witnesses on the case,
02:20the senator earlier said he already talked to Secretary Rimulia and that they are good friends.
02:26But Rimulia insisted this is not the right process.
02:30Regardless of any personal relationship, a witness should be evaluated first and should be telling the whole truth before given the protection.
02:38Because I'm a lawyer, I'll give it to you. I don't have the power now.
02:42I don't have the witness protection program.
02:45It does not emanate from a request of the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee saying,
02:51you can do this witness. It cannot happen that day.
02:55As of now, the DOJ has no other eyewitness for the case.
02:59However, they reiterated that they are ready to accept possible whistleblowers.
03:04Luisa Erispe from The National TV for a new and better Philippines.
