MANILA – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is acting within its authority in investigating alleged ghost flood control projects in Taguig City, the political bailiwick of the family of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

Speaking to reporters, Vida said the DOJ respects the NBI’s independence in carrying out investigations.

“We respect the independence of the NBI relative to their mandate to investigate,” Vida said.

He added that should the NBI file a case before the DOJ, prosecutors would evaluate the allegations solely on the basis of evidence.

“Everything will be evidence-based. What are the evidence presented? Rule of law pa rin tayo (We will still act based on the rule of law),” he said. “Definitely, there is no selective (prosecution).”

Vida also dismissed concerns that the investigation could have a chilling effect on lawmakers participating in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Hindi dapat. ‘Yung paghahabol natin ng accountability di naman tumitigil ‘yun. Parepareho tayong may ginagampanan (Their fears are unfounded. Our pursuit of accountability never stops. We all have our own duties),” he said.

“Wala naman dapat ipangamba ang senator-judges (Senator judges need not fear),” he added.

The DOJ chief said previous investigations would also be taken into account in determining whether any offense had already prescribed and could no longer be prosecuted.

He added that earlier findings and rulings would be given appropriate consideration in any future proceedings.

“May panuntuhan, kung ano ‘yung prescribed and not prescribed. Kung me dati ng findings, ‘yun ay binibigyan ng kaukulang timbang (There are standards which have prescribed and not prescribed. If there are previous findings, it will be weighed in the case),” Vida said.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who is scheduled to appear before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday, said the bureau would pursue leads involving the Taguig flood control projects that Sen. Panfilo Lacson had publicly raised.

Lacson earlier said informants and witnesses would provide evidence against Cayetano.

Matibag said the NBI had identified 11 projects in Taguig in 2022 that were allegedly connected to 15 contractors.PNA