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After its probe, DOJ refers to Ombudsman 3 malversation charges vs Joel Villanueva in flood control mess

Philippines | National

After its probe, DOJ refers to Ombudsman 3 malversation charges vs Joel Villanueva in flood control mess

By Jeffrey Damicog

At A Glance

The Department of Justice (DOJ) referred to the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) three malversation charges against Sen. Joel Villanueva in connection with his alleged involvement in the flood control anomalies.

“We are here to report that as of this day (Tuesday, March 17) those three cases have been officially endorsed to the Ombudsman,” said DOJ Spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez.

He also said: “At that point, the Ombudsman will then review the findings by the DOJ prosecutors and then issue its own review resolution, see if it agrees with the findings of our prosecutors and file the case with the Sandiganbayan if it meets the quantum of evidence necessary.”

The malversation charges against Villanueva were referred to the Ombudsman after a panel of prosecutors conducted the preliminary investigation, he added.

Martinez, however, did not disclose the DOJ’s findings on the charges.

The DOJ said the three cases were among the second batch of flood control cases involving flood control projects in Bulacan that were awarded to Wawao Construction and Topnotch Catalyst Builders.

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