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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ to summon 14 incumbent, ex-HOR members to shed light on 'anomalous' flood control projects

DOJ to summon 14 incumbent, ex-HOR members to shed light on 'anomalous' flood control projects

Published Sep 29, 2025 06:39 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will summon 10 incumbent congressmen and four former legislators to shed light on their alleged involvement in the “anomalous” flood control projects.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said to be summoned were those named by the spouses Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya in the affidavit they read last Sept. 8 during a hearing before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Named by the Discayas were USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang, Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones, San Jose del Monte in Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, former congressman Benjamin Agarao Jr., former congressman Florencio Gabriel Noel, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Odie Tarriela, Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, former congressman Teodorico Haresco Jr., former congresswoman Antonieta Eudela, Caloocan Rep. Dean Asistio, and Quezon City Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar.
“We will invite them first. We will let the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) invite them. If they will not show up then we will have the NBI subpoena them. May subpoena powers din naman ‘yan (The NBI has subpoena powers),” Remulla said.
“Isu-subpoena namin ang mga tao na tinuro nila. S’yempre we have to validate all the information (We will subpoena the people the Discayas cited. Of course we have to validate all the information they have),” Remulla also said during a press briefing on Monday, Sept. 29.
He said that the Discayas have been cooperating with the DOJ in the ongoing investigation on the “anomalous” government flood control projects.
“They were able to bring back documents that would show that the dealings were there,” he also said.
Last week, the NBI recommended the prosecution of 21 persons including resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy "Zaldy" S. Co, Sen. Francis Joseph "Chiz" Escudero, Sen. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and former Caloocan 2nd District representative Mary Mitzi "Mitch" Lim Cajayon-Uy.
“They will also be interviewed later on,” Remulla said.
The NBI’s recommendation was based on the sworn testimonies of former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), namely, former Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara, former assistant district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, and former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Meanwhile, Remulla urged Orly Guteza, the alleged former security aide of Co, to come to the DOJ to provide his testimony in the controversy.
“I hope he faces us kasi hini-hintay ng bayan ‘to. Open tayo dito (I hope he faces us because the people are waiting for this. We are open here),” Remulla said.
Guteza failed to appear at the DOJ last Friday, Sept. 26, for his scheduled meeting with the secretary.
Last Thursday, Sept. 25, Guteza appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing where he claimed that Co and former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez received kickbacks from the flood control projects.
Both Co and Romualdez have denied Guteza’s allegations.
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