The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, September 26, that it will pursue case build-up against 21 individuals, including five current and former lawmakers, following a recommendation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The move subjects those named to scrutiny by the National Prosecution Service (NPS) amid allegations of irregularities flagged in sworn affidavits.
The list includes Congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Also facing investigation are Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Mary Mitzi “Mitch” Lim Cajayon-Uy, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, several engineers, accountants, and private individuals identified in testimonies.
The DOJ stressed that the case build-up will be rigorous, with no exemptions.
“The DOJ will now subject this recommendation to rigorous case build-up under the National Prosecution Service. No one is above the law, and no position, title, or influence will shield anyone from accountability,” the press statement read.
“Those named will be required to answer, under the rule of law, the serious allegations now standing against them,” it added.
The DOJ also noted that the NBI’s recommendation was based on sworn testimonies by Engineer Henry Alcantara, Engineer Brice Hernandez, Engineer Jaypee Mendoza, and former Undersecretary Bernardo.
These accounts, the department said, were deemed to provide sufficient preliminary links to the acts under investigation.
“Let it be clear: inclusion in the NBI’s recommendation is not a matter of speculation or rumor. It is the result of sworn testimony under oath,” the DOJ said.
“If names have circulated outside of these affidavits, those are not recognized by the DOJ or the NBI until such time that they are sworn to under proper proceedings,” it added.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the department is also prepared to transmit the case files to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) for independent review.
“The DOJ will not blink. We will see this through to its rightful conclusion, guided only by evidence, sworn testimony, and the dictates of justice,” he said.
