Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file charges related to three ghost flood control projects in Bulacan. These projects, lacking any real-world implementation despite allocated funds, have drawn significant attention due to their financial implications.
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla stated that the NBI has validated information about these ghost projects using coordinates from the “Isumbong mo kay Pangulo” website. The bureau is currently finalizing details to proceed with the case. The projects, averaging PHP300 million in total, display a recurring pattern of allocated funds ranging from PHP95 million to PHP100 million per district.
Additionally, Remulla clarified his recent conversation with Senator Rodante Marcoleta, emphasizing that he did not provide any assurance regarding the potential admission of the Discaya couple as government witnesses. Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah Rowena ‘Sarah’ Discaya, whose firms hold the largest shares of flood control projects, were mentioned in the context of possible state witness consideration.
Remulla underlined the seriousness of appointing state witnesses, stressing that it requires a thorough evaluation process. He noted that the credibility of potential witnesses, including their truthfulness and criminal record, must be rigorously assessed before any commitments are made.