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

This was confirmed by DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez following a previous statement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who indicated that individuals 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. During the session, the complaints were issued to the respondents.

The respondents have 10 days from the hearing to draft and file their counter-affidavits, with a deadline of 24 November. Martinez added, “After that, the case will then be submitted for resolution and the evidence will be assessed.”

He noted that 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,” Martinez said.

The cases involve flood control projects in Bulacan, specifically in Balagtas and Pandi. The number of respondents varies per case, with the highest number for a single case reaching 21 individuals. Most of the respondents are from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).