DOJ sets issuance of subpoenas to DPWH officials, a contractor in flood control mess in Bulacan
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to issue subpoenas against several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and a contractor for the preliminary investigation of the charges against them in the anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
The preliminary investigation will determine if the charges will be dismissed or will be filed before the courts.
Expected to be subpoenaed are former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, Project Engineer Arjay S. Domasig, Construction Section Chief Jaypee D. Mendoza, Project Engineer Nino Lawrence V. Morales, Finance Section Chief Juanito C. Mendoza, Administrative Section Chief Floralyn Y. Simbulan, Cashier II Christina Mae D. Pineda, and Syms Construction representative Sally N. Santos.
The result of the fact-finding probe was submitted by the DOJ to the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB). The OMB later returned the documents to the DOJ for preliminary investigation
Most of those named respondents have a salary grade of 26 and below in which the DOJ has jurisdiction for preliminary investigation.
If the DOJ finds probable cause to charge the respondents, the cases will be filed before the regional trial court (RTC). The Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over government officials with salary grade 27 and above.
“Subpoenas would be forthcoming,” said Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon during a press briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
“We are hoping to have them sent out within the week but the latest would be by next week,” he said.
He also said panels of prosecutors have already been assigned to conduct the preliminary investigation.