DOJ to issue subpoenas vs Estrada, Revilla over flood control complaints
FORMER senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla and Senator Jinggoy Estrada
Subpoenas in separate complaints filed against Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla may be issued within the week, Prosecutor General Richard “Dong” Fadullon said on Thursday.
Fadullon disclosed this during the Pandesal Forum, saying, “Hopefully, subpoenas may be issued within the week.”
He added that preliminary hearings may be scheduled toward the end of the month.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is also conducting preliminary investigations into six malversation complaints over alleged anomalous flood control projects involving Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
Senator Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, is a respondent in three of the six complaints and has been given until 26 January to submit his counter-affidavit, the DOJ said.
Fadullon also said charges may be filed before Philippine courts or the Sandiganbayan by the middle of February.
He appealed for public patience when asked about earlier statements that those responsible for anomalous flood control projects would be jailed by December 2025.
Fadullon said that while it is easy to file a case, proving it is more difficult, stressing the need for solid evidence to ensure the desired outcome.
On Monday, the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against Revilla and six other individuals over an alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Revilla surrendered on Monday night to the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Crame and was transferred to a jail facility on Tuesday by order of the court.
The former senator has denied any involvement in “ghost” or non-existent flood control projects in Bulacan following his inclusion as a respondent in two complaints filed with the DOJ.
Estrada, for his part, has “categorically and vehemently” denied claims by former Public Works and Highways Bulacan 1st District assistant engineer Brice Hernandez that he pocketed kickbacks from flood control projects.egedly pocketing kickbacks in flood control projects.