Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday assured the public that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would begin filing cases within 40 to 60 days against those involved in ghost projects linked to corruption in public works. During the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe into flood control anomalies, Remulla said five cases had been endorsed to the National Bureau of Investigation, while other complaints prepared by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon's office were transmitted directly to the Office of the Ombudsman.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla committed to the public that the DOJ would not abandon the case and would pursue it to its conclusion. The first set of cases would address "ghost" projects, with subsequent investigations focusing on substandard projects. The DOJ is also examining the conspiracy angle, which involves collusion among Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, contractors, legislators, and other individuals.

Remulla highlighted the complexity of the situation, describing it as a conspiracy involving DPWH personnel, contractors, and legislators, along with potentially other entities. He emphasized that due process requires adequate time to construct airtight cases, estimating that the fastest timeline would be forty days, with sixty days being a safer target. This timeline accounts for the need to issue subpoenas, secure affidavits, and gather evidence before filing.

Regarding coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Remulla admitted that no formal discussions have been conducted yet but mentioned plans to address this to prevent duplication. He noted that collaboration with the ICI would be facilitated by his relationship with former DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson, a member of the ICI.