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Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges with a local court contractor against contractor-couple Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and several others over an alleged anomalous flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan. The issue involved a river rehabilitation project of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, owned by the Dicayas, according to a case briefer released on Thursday, June 4, from the Malolos Regional Trial Court. The alleged irregularities gave unwarranted benefits of nearly ₱54 million to St. Timothy, which transacted with the DPWH-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office. Investigators said payments were released without supporting documents and basis for the disbursements, including payments for dredging and embankment works. “The subject cases stemmed from the utter and flagrant disregard to government auditing and accounting rules and regulations, particularly the release of payments despite the lack of any legitimate basis to support…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Rep. Mike Defensor allegedly paid ₱5 million to each of the 18 ex-marines involved in the flood control scandal to testify about the scheme, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said in a press conference on Thursday, June 4.  Matibag said the agency reopened its investigation on the former soldiers and the flood control scandal after it secured testimony from a person who exposed Defensor’s alleged involvement. The group of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has banked on the testimony of the former marines in a hearing on the flood control scandal, an event that was not recognized by the new Senate majority. READ: Amid Senate leadership dispute, flood control probe proceeds with 18 ex-marine witnesses “Mayroong isang indibidwal na nagbigay ng statement nung April 28 tsaka May 6 na meron siyang alegasyon na yung isa doon sa 18 marines, may relasyon sila, may…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday, June 4, pushed through with its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects despite the ongoing leadership dispute in the chamber. Committee chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano accompanied the former marines whom she presented as witnesses during the inquiry. Cayetano claimed the witnesses had previously been prevented from attending the proceedings and were brought to the Senate directly to ensure they could testify. Blue Ribbon Committee co-chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta said more witnesses had been invited but were not present at the hearing. During the hearing, all 18 witnesses raised their hands when asked if they had allegedly delivered bags of cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.  The committee is currently investigating claims of widespread corruption within flood control infrastructure programs, including allegations of kickbacks sourced from ghost projects.  Also present during the proceedings were Senators Loren Legarda,…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division on Thursday deferred the arraignment of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan to June 30. The court postponed the proceedings to allow time to resolve pending motions filed by both of the accused. The scheduled June 2 arraignment was similarly deferred due to Estrada’s unresolved motions and because Bonoan was rushed to the hospital to treat his hypertension.  During the June 2 proceedings, Bonoan appeared in a wheelchair, following a June 1 petition by his legal counsel requesting hospital arrest. Meanwhile, three of Estrada’s and Bonoan’s co-accused were successfully arraigned on Thursday, June 4. They are: Manny Bulusan – District Engineer Arturo Gonzales – District Engineer Denryl Cortuna – Assistant District Engineer On June 1, Estrada was arrested for the third time in two decades over his alleged involvement in the flood control…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives has cleared key measures before Congress adjourned sine die on Wednesday, June 3 – from the anti-political dynasty bill to addressing economic shocks from the Middle East conflict and future crises. Anti-political dynasty bill  A total of 267 lawmakers were in favor of the measure, seeking to define and prohibit political dynasties.  The bill aims to prohibit spouses or relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to hold positions simultaneously.  A number of lawmakers, however, expressed reservations that the bill would enable dynasties instead of institutionalizing a nationwide ban. “It is not a true or genuine anti-dynasty law, but rather a dynasty legitimization act,” senior deputy minority leader Leila de Lima said. Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Adiong, sponsor of the measure, said while he anticipated backlash on the version, there has to be a careful balance in…