The Sandiganbayan is crafting new rules to fast-track the filing and resolution of criminal cases, in preparation for the anticipated cases from the Office of the Ombudsman involving anomalous flood control projects.
Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg said the anti-graft court is drafting new rules on expedited procedures, which will be pilot tested once approved by the Supreme Court.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier announced that his office would file the first information next month in connection with the ₱249-million flood control project controversy in Bulacan.
The Ombudsman received a complaint from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on September 11 against several officials, including former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and other DPWH personnel, as well as private contractors from various construction firms.
Remulla said the court could issue warrants immediately after the filing of the cases.
Meanwhile, former acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas ordered the six-month preventive suspension of 16 DPWH personnel linked to the case on September 18.
Remulla has also proposed the creation of a special division to handle flood control cases, but Econg clarified that no such division is being planned for now.