THE request for the issuance of a lookout order came in too late as government officials suspected of involvement in the multi-billion flood control project mess have already gone into hiding, even before the congressional probe set off formally started.
In a television interview on Wednesday, Senator Rodante Marcoleta particularly hinted at the request made by Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a look out order against officials of the DPWH and contractors involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
“Doon kasi sa mga pagtakas, hindi ko naman sinasabing tumakas na pero ‘yung mga nagsasabi sa akin, patawarin ko na sila, ay nasa Amerika na talaga yung iba,” Marcoleta was quoted as saying during an interview with the GMA News Network.
SENATE POWERLESS
By his own admission, Marcoleta said that the Senate blue ribbon committee doesn’t wield the power to issue a hold departure order. He however hinted at requesting for a lookout order against the involved personalities.
“Ang Blue Ribbon naman kasi wala naman kaming power mag-issue ng hold departure order, korte lang,” he explained.
However, the senator has other plans — continue the congressional hearings with or without the personalities to whom subpoenas were sent by the Senate blue ribbon committee.
Interestingly, Marcoleta floated the idea of issuing warrants of arrest against the “resource persons” linked to the anomalous flood control projects for repeatedly skipping the senate committee hearing.
WILLING WITNESS
According to Marcoleta, there is an “insider” who has expressed intent in identifying members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
Aside from legislators, the witness is also privy to DPWH officials forming part of the dubious spectacle.
“Meron nang lumalapit… medyo nag-aalangan nga lang sapagkat merong threat sa buhay nila,” he said,
“Actually may nag-note na ganun. Sabi niya gusto ko sanang itama lahat ng ito. Nangangamba lang ako sa buhay naming mag-anak,” the legislator added.
While contractors could not deny involvement in the anomaly, Marcoleta insisted that they (contractors) are “not the most guilty.
COMPROMISE DEAL
He also floated the idea of striking a compromise deal if only to convince the “witness” —that criminal cases will not be filed against them and they will only face civil liability.
“Kung papayag kayo na i-dispense natin ang criminal prosecution, civil liability kayo. You indemnify the government. Bayaran ninyo ‘yung pagkakamali ninyo. Kung halimbawa defective, ayusin ninyo,” he said.
“Pero magturo kayo. So ‘yung ituturo ninyo will be subjected to criminal prosecution. Ganun ang gawin natin,” he quipped.