DOJ Advances Flood Control Corruption Probe
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its investigation into alleged corruption tied to government flood control projects. As prosecutors continue to verify testimonies from individuals seeking protection under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), the department emphasized a cautious but determined approach to building a solid, court-ready case.
Officer-in-Charge Fredderick Vida announced after the DOJ’s flag-raising ceremony that the prosecution is advancing with scrutinized statements and documentary evidence related to multibillion-peso flood control infrastructure. He underscored that criminal charges will be filed only when prosecutors are confident the evidence can withstand judicial scrutiny.
Careful Verification Before Filing Charges
“The DOJ is currently evaluating the statements of individuals who have expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation and apply for witness protection,” Vida stated. “We are taking all necessary steps to verify their claims and determine their credibility before making any legal moves.”
Vida noted that these testimonies are part of a broader effort to uncover irregularities in flood control projects conducted by district engineering offices and contractors allegedly involved in fund misuse and overpricing schemes. The department is working with other agencies to corroborate statements with physical and documentary proofs.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The DOJ has tied the flood control inquiry to joint efforts with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Office of the Ombudsman, and the Commission on Audit (COA). By cross-checking testimonies against financial records, project documents, and on-site assessments, investigators aim to identify overlapping cases and determine jurisdiction over relevant transactions.
Vida explained that naming individuals or entities under active investigation would jeopardize ongoing inquiries. He reassured the public that once the fact-finding phase concludes, the department will proceed decisively with cases backed by verified evidence and credible witness accounts.
Public Information vs. Due Process
In addressing public interest, Vida cautioned against proposals to livestream witness interviews. He argued that such measures could compromise witness safety and the integrity of investigations, as not every statement is true or fully verifiable in real time. Premature disclosure could endanger witnesses who might face intimidation or manipulation of evidence by those implicated in corruption schemes.
“Protecting witnesses is a core principle of justice, not merely a procedural safeguard,” Vida said. “Exposing identities or statements too early risks losing critical testimony and endangering lives.” He stressed that the public’s right to information is important, but it must not override due process or the confidentiality essential to preserving evidence.
Context and Next Steps
The DOJ’s approach follows revelations from Senate hearings about alleged “license-for-rent” and fund diversion schemes involving government engineers, local officials, and private contractors. The DOJ’s ongoing review seeks to clarify the extent of irregularities and determine appropriate-jurisdiction handling of overlapping cases.
Vida stressed that the department’s overarching mission is to pursue justice based on facts and law, while ensuring robust protection for witnesses and whistleblowers. He called for cooperation from all sectors, including the media and the public, to prevent undermining witnesses or cases while preserving due process.
As the inquiry proceeds, the DOJ expects to publish outcomes only when cases are solidly backed by verified evidence. The public can anticipate that the department will move decisively if and when credible charges are warranted, with an emphasis on transparency through the courts rather than sensational disclosures.
Conclusion
With the flood control corruption probe moving forward, the DOJ’s careful balance of witness protection, corroborated evidence, and interagency collaboration aims to secure accountable outcomes. By prioritizing credible testimony and due process, prosecutors intend to uphold justice and safeguard the integrity of public projects that affect flood defense and community safety.
