00:00The Department of Justice marked the 100th day of Secretary Frederick Vida with a recovery of over 600 million pesos
00:06from anomalous flood control projects.
00:09The agency also extended its visa relief program to assist foreign nationals affected by the Middle East crisis.
00:16RR Tobisa has more details in this report.
00:20More than 611 million pesos has been recovered by the government in connection with the illegal flood control projects.
00:28According to Justice Secretary Frederick Vida, the funds were returned by state witnesses.
00:33The amount has already been deposited to the Bureau of Treasury as part of returning public funds to the people.
00:39The largest amount was returned by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo at 290 million pesos.
00:47He was followed by former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, 181 million pesos, and former Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, 120
00:57million pesos.
00:58Meanwhile, contractor Sally Santos returned 20 million pesos.
01:02This also includes previously frozen assets.
01:05Over the past years, the Department has remained steadfast in its mandate to ensure fair, swift, and accessible justice for
01:13all.
01:13Guided by integrity, transparency, and accountability, we have pursued reforms that address long-standing challenges in our justice system.
01:22Meanwhile, the DOJ has extended its visa relief program for foreign nationals affected by detentions in the Middle East.
01:30Under the Department Order 219, signed on March 30, foreigners are allowed to stay until May 1 without penalties.
01:38The program aims to assist those unable to return home due to flight cancellations and restrictions.
01:44According to DOJ, this is a humanitarian measure by the government to ensure the legal stay of foreign nationals amid
01:51the situation.
01:52This is just one of the initiatives of the Department under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
01:58They added that they will continue to serve the public and advance justice for all.
02:03This occasion is not merely a report on what has been done, but a reflection of our collective commitment to
02:09uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of every citizen, and strengthen the pillars of justice in our nation.
02:16R. R. Tubise from the National TV Network for a New and Better Philippines.
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