THE Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Friday that the complaints filed against Senator Joel Villanueva and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co have been submitted for resolution.
“I think it was mentioned that the case pending here at DOJ where Senator Joel Villanueva is charged with malversation is already submitted for resolution,” prosecutor general Richard Anthony Fadullon said.
He also clarified that he was not privy to other cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Justice spokesman Polo Martinez also disclosed that as of Feb. 2, the six cases involving Wawao Builders, Topnotch Catalyst Builders, and Villanueva have already been submitted for resolution.
“It means Senator Villanueva has filed his counter-affidavit and the prosecutor can proceed with evaluating whether or not a prima facie evidence exists,” he added.
Martinez said the DOJ was working with a timeline.
“As for the plunder case against former Representative Zaldy Co, the DOJ reports that it is now submitted for resolution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fadullon said while they have yet to see the draft of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report, it may be a basis to collate evidence and may be used by the National Bureau of Investigation as a lead.
