The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formed a special task force to investigate allegations of corruption and bid-rigging in flood control projects, according to former NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon will lead the Public Works Corruption and Bid-Rigging Task Force, while the NBI Public Corruption Division will be the lead investigator. While the task force is still being formed, Santiago has ordered officials to begin work immediately, especially in areas visited by the President.
Santiago said that reports from the NBI regional offices are being compiled and are expected to be submitted to the DOJ next week. He said the report could be completed by Tuesday or Wednesday.
As for contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, Santiago said that a thorough study will be conducted to determine whether they should be placed in the witness protection program. He added that their testimony should not be considered “gospel truth” and that the investigation should be fair.
The DOJ is also open to other whistle-blowers and assured that all information will be reviewed and verified. Santiago stressed that whoever is implicated in the anomaly, even if they refuse to admit it, will be held accountable based on the results of the investigation.
