The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said its investigation into ghost flood control projects in Bulacan is moving forward, with respondents in the first batch of five cases given until November 24 to submit their counter-affidavits.
“Today marks the conduct of the preliminary investigation. We had our very first hearing where we issued copies of the complaint to respondents. They have ten days from today to file their counter-affidavit,” DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez told reporters.
He added that a resolution is expected by December, as the DOJ has 60 days to complete the preliminary investigations. The five cases involve various projects in Bulacan with different respondents.
Martinez also said the DOJ is open to considering resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co for the Witness Protection Program (WPP) if he voluntarily applies. “Nothing prevents him from doing so if he wishes to apply. There is no prohibition,” he said, stressing that Co’s video message cannot be treated as evidence unless formally submitted to the DOJ.
“The law says that the only evidence we can evaluate is what is submitted. There is no motu proprio to admit evidence that is not submitted, especially with the new quantum of evidence,” Martinez added.