MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expediting its investigation into alleged flood control anomalies following the issuance of subpoenas to respondents, including Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez assured the public that due process is being fully observed despite the accelerated pace.

“Naiintindihan po natin, kailangan ng kaunting urgency sapagkat ano po eh, siyempre this is very important pieces of evidence, make it lost that are crucial to the case so minamadali na po namin,” he said.

Under the Revised Manual for Prosecutors, prosecutors have 60 days from the filing of a case to resolve it, extendable by another 30 days for complex cases such as this one, Martinez explained.

He said three plunder complaints have been filed, with subpoenas directing respondents to appear and submit counter-affidavits as part of the preliminary investigation to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to court.

The complaints were based on findings by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-DOJ Task Force on Public Works and Anti-Bid-Rigging, which concluded there was a sufficient basis to pursue the cases.

In addition to the plunder cases, at least 14 related cases are pending, involving charges such as malversation, falsification of public documents, bribery, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Martinez said that of the initial five cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading, two have been filed before the Sandiganbayan, while three are awaiting final resolutions.

He emphasized that while the DOJ is moving quickly, the legal process cannot be compromised.

“We understand po na maraming naiinip, maraming naiinis, maraming nababagot sa nangyayari and the pace by which the resolutions are being processed. But, again, it’s all part of a bigger process. The justice system makes sure it is available, accessible and fair to everyone,” he said.

“So, in the same way po na nirirespeto ng institusyon natin ang mga karapatan ng mga nag-complain, kailangan din pong respetuhin ang mga karapatan ng mga akusado, which means that they will have to undergo proper processes in the criminal justice system,” Martinez added.