A former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official yesterday returned ₱40 million in kickbacks he received from anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to DOJ Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida, this is just part of the ₱150 million former DPWH-NCR Regional Director Engr. Gerald Opulencia will surrender to the government.
Opulencia has been admitted under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program (WPP).
Meanwhile Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, who faces multiple cases related to alleged flood control anomalies, was allowed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to attend a hearing in Malabon in relation to a case filed against her by the city government.
NBI Acting Director Angelito Magno said that while she remains under their custody, she can be released anytime since there is still no arrest warrant issued against her.
He added that they cannot “legally hold” Discaya absent any warrant issued by the court, such that she can leave NBI’s premises anytime.
Last week, Discaya voluntarily submitted herself to the Bureau amid a looming arrest warrant.
