A mid-December resolution of the Bulacan flood control cases is being eyed by the Department of Justice (DoJ).

This was according to DoJ spokesperson Polo Martinez following the statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who said that those involved in the alleged corruption could be arrested and jailed “before Christmas.”

Martinez said the preliminary investigation into the anomalies, which involves five separate cases, began Friday with the first hearing where the complaints were issued to the respondents.

Timelines set

The respondents have 10 days to file their counter-affidavits on 24 November, Martinez said.

He added, “After that, the case will be submitted for resolution and the evidence will be assessed.”

Martinez noted the DoJ has a 60-day period to terminate the preliminary investigation.

“So, around mid-December, we will finish the preliminary investigation and there will be a resolution to be submitted,” he said.

The cases are the flood control projects in Bulacan, specifically in Balagtas and Pandi towns.

The DoJ said the number of respondents vary per case with the highest number for a single case involving 21 individuals.

The DoJ spokesperson confirmed that most of the respondents were from the Department of Public Works and Highways.