Department of Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres on Friday said Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers and a contractor are now “telling all,” providing evidence that may implicate senators and lawmakers in the alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Andres identified the cooperating individuals as engineers Brice Hernandez, Henry Alcantara, Jaypee Mendoza, RJ Domasig, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and contractor Sally Santos.
He said that in their initial interviews, the engineers offered only limited accounts, but have since provided fuller, detailed testimonies.
Andres said the DOJ now has sufficient evidence to implicate a “handful” of senators and congressmen.
According to the sworn testimonies of Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza, the National Bureau of Investigation previously recommended the prosecution of several lawmakers to the DOJ, including former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
Both Escudero and Co have denied involvement in the alleged anomaly.
“There is a next batch of six cases ready for case build up and eventual filing as preliminary investigation by middle or late next week,” Andres said.
“For the next batch, there will be proponents or politicians involved in downloading and who availed of the kickback so you can expect a congressman, past or present, to be involved in the next batch of cases, senators, whether past or present… and other proponents who may be involved,” he added.
However, Andres clarified that whistleblowers will not be granted blanket immunity.
“We are not giving any blanket immunity to any of the whistleblowers. And they have agreed to that and they understand the situation. But we will give specific immunity for each particular case where their testimony will be used,” he said.
Andres also said the whistleblowers have agreed to return assets, noting that up to P1 billion may be recovered through restitution.
“There is a need for cooperation to return a substantial amount whether it be in cash, in property, in vehicles, in jewelry — it has to be returned. Anyway these other properties can be auctioned,” he said.
Meanwhile, contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya are no longer cooperating with the DOJ. The couple withdrew their cooperation after seeing an interview in which Independent Commission for Infrastructure Commissioner Rogelio Singson said no one had yet qualified as a state witness.
“As far as the Discayas are concerned, they have stopped coordinating with us. I heard from public declarations that after the ICI hearing, they are no longer cooperating,” Andres said.
He added that the DOJ remains open for any potential whistleblower seeking admission into the Witness Protection Program.