Manila: Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida on Monday stated that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is operating within its mandate to investigate the alleged ghost flood control projects in Taguig City, a political stronghold of Senate Minority Floor leader Senator Allan Peter Cayetano. "We respect the independence of the NBI relative to their mandate to investigate," Vida mentioned to reporters in a chance interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, Vida emphasized that if the NBI decides to bring the case before the DOJ, all allegations will be scrutinized based on the evidence presented. "Everything will be evidence-based. What are the evidence presented? Rule of law pa rin tayo (We will still act based on the rule of law)," he asserted. Vida also assured that there will not be any selective prosecution in this matter.
He addressed concerns that the investigation might intimidate lawmakers involved in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. "Hindi dapat. 'Yung paghahabol natin ng accountability di naman tumitigil 'yun. Parepareho tayong may ginagampanan (Their fears are unfounded. Our pursuit of accountability never stops. We all have our own duties)," he explained. "Wala naman dapat ipangamba ang senator-judges (Senator judges need not fear).'
Vida further stated that in pursuing the case, previous investigations will be reviewed to determine whether any offenses have already prescribed and are no longer actionable. He indicated that prior rulings on offenses will also be considered by the DOJ. "May panuntuhan, kung ano 'yung prescribed and not prescribed. Kung me dati ng findings, 'yun ay binibigyan ng kaukulang timbang," (There are standards which have prescribed and not prescribed. If there are previous findings, it will be weighed in the case)," he noted.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who is set to appear before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday, remarked that they will follow leads on the Taguig projects that Senator Panfilo Lacson publicly mentioned. Lacson had previously stated that informants and witnesses would provide evidence against Cayetano. Matibag disclosed that in 2022, there were 11 projects related to 15 contractors in question.
