The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Saturday that it will issue subpoenas by next week to Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. in connection with separate complaints involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon confirmed during a news forum in Quezon City that the issuance of the subpoenas marks the formal commencement of the preliminary investigation into the two high-profile lawmakers.
“By next week, this coming week, we will be issuing the subpoenas already in connection with those cases. Meaning to say, the preliminary investigation will begin,” Fadullon said.
The complaints, filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), stem from alleged corruption in infrastructure projects in Bulacan and other provinces.
Aside from Estrada and Revilla, former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co is also facing a separate plunder complaint.
According to DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez, the respondents are being investigated for alleged violations of the Anti-Plunder Act, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.
The investigation was bolstered by testimonies from former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who have been admitted into the Witness Protection Program.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleged that he delivered millions in kickbacks to Revilla’s residence and through aides.
Bernardo also claimed that Estrada requested hundreds of millions in commissions for the inclusion of projects in the national budget.
Both Estrada and Revilla have “categorically and vehemently” denied the allegations.
Estrada maintained there is no proof of kickbacks tied to him, while Revilla’s legal team dismissed the testimonies as “evolving” and inconsistent.
The DOJ took over the preliminary investigation after the Office of the Ombudsman returned the records, directing the department to conduct the initial probe as several other respondents hold salary grades that fall under the jurisdiction of regional trial courts.
