MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue coordinating with the Office of the Ombudsman in building the case involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects linked to Senator Joel Villanueva, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said.

Vida made the statement after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ’s recommendation to file charges against Villanueva did not yet meet the anti-graft body’s standards.

“Kung hindi satisfied, we make it satisfactory kasi at the end of the day, we want people accountable. We want those who have done this Republic wrong, to make them accountable,” Vida said in an ambush interview.

In March, the DOJ forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman its findings on a malversation complaint against Villanueva involving alleged ghost flood control projects.

Remulla said the complaint remains under preliminary investigation.

“At the end of the day, it is the control of the Ombudsman. We respect their evaluation of the pieces of evidence relayed to them by the DOJ. Again, we will work together,” Vida said.

Vida succeeded Remulla as justice secretary in October 2025.