DOJ urges patience in floodgate probe, warns vs rushing cases

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon on Thursday urged the public to be patient as authorities continue investigating the floodgate scandal, stressing that cases must be carefully built to withstand judicial scrutiny.

Fadullon said the DOJ is coordinating closely with other government agencies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Insurance Commission and the Department of Public Works and Highways, to ensure cases move forward efficiently while observing due process.

“The Department not working alone, working with other government agencies like the Ombudsman and ICI… DPWH to ensure na itong mga kaso na ito ay umusad at mapadali,” Fadullon said.

He acknowledged public frustration over the pace of the investigation, noting that many are eager to see immediate results, but warned that rushing the process could weaken the cases.

He said everybody is waiting to see immediate results and what he can say is before it gets better, it gets worse.

“Meaning, you really have to put in a lot of time,” he said.

Investigators, Fadullon said, are willing to accept short-term delays if it leads to stronger cases in the long run.

“Kung ang ibig sabihin po nito ay tayo ay madedelay, if I take a few steps backward if only so I can move 10 steps forward, I’ll do it,” he said.

Fadullon stressed that prematurely filed cases risk dismissal, which could derail accountability efforts.

“It is easy to file cases, the difficult thing is how we can prove the cases we filed,” Fadullon said.

He appealed for public understanding, saying the DOJ is aware of public grievances but must allow the rule of law to prevail.

“We know what the people's sentiments but we cannot rush the process otherwise our effort will go to waste," he said.

While a careful process may take longer, Fadullon said it offers the best chance of achieving credible and lasting results.