The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is in a hurry to recommend the filing of charges against certain personalities involved in several anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan and Mindoro, as well as some other infrastructure projects. This raises concerns that some influential political leaders or their lackeys may be trying to muddle the issue to prevent future charges from progressing. The NBI’s recommendation may also affect the investigation conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which could lead to a situation where the accused can invoke their right against double jeopardy. Meanwhile, the NBI’s Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office has been instructed to investigate flood control projects in its jurisdiction, including one in the Lasang River in Davao City. The investigation may validate or dispute claims of country-wide corruption in the implementation of infrastructure projects.
In a separate issue, lawyers from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and other groups filed a motion to release those arrested during a riotous rally, arguing that they were detained without charges and arrested without a warrant. However, the argument that the police should have secured a warrant of arrest before making the arrests is questionable, as it is unclear how the police could have obtained a warrant without knowing who would initiate the riot or when it would occur. The possibility of issuing warrants of arrest in generic terms, ahead of the possible commission of crimes, is also raised.
