Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said on Friday that former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Brice Hernandez is no longer insisting on becoming a state witness, clarifying that he is now being treated as a cooperative witness in the ongoing investigation into the flood control controversy.
“He is a cooperative witness. He is no longer insisting on becoming a state witness because they have seen that it is difficult to give blanket immunity, especially if it involves ghost projects,” Remulla said in Filipino.
Remulla explained that Hernandez, who appeared at the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday morning, is cooperating with the fact-finding investigation but understands that blanket immunity is not possible in cases involving ghost projects.
“That's an open and shut case, whether or not they cooperate, they will be convicted, right? You actually don't need to become a state witness,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman added that Hernandez may still receive special consideration from the court for his cooperation.
“Of course, we will give him special consideration with the permission of the court. Because we refer all of these to the court,” Remulla noted.
Earlier, Remulla said the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan are preparing measures for the reinstitution of stolen funds in flood control cases, including plea bargaining or returning the funds for a reduced sentence.