NBI Dir. Melvin Matibag/ Photo courtesy of PNA.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an inquiry into alleged ghost flood control projects in Taguig City that were implemented during the time Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano served as congressman, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said.
Matibag confirmed the investigation on Monday, saying the bureau had begun looking into the reported projects following questions raised about their implementation.
He said records showed that 11 flood control projects in 2022 were allegedly linked to contractors identified among the top 15 recipients of government projects, adding that investigators would examine the transactions.
Matibag acknowledged that the issue had gained public attention after Sen. Panfilo Lacson disclosed details about the alleged projects and called on informants and witnesses to come forward with evidence.
Lacson earlier said he hoped those with information would help establish accountability over the alleged anomalies.
Cayetano had previously criticized the NBI for focusing on the 2019 Southeast Asian Games hosting expenses instead of investigating reported irregularities involving flood control projects.
The senator questioned the timing of the bureau’s actions, pointing out that Matibag was scheduled to testify on Tuesday in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The NBI chief, however, said the investigation into the Taguig projects would proceed, stressing that the allegations were already public and warranted further examination.