The latest development in the months-long saga on the major corruption scandal.
In his video message uploaded on Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. reported to the nation that arrest warrants are now out for 10 individuals linked to the PHP96.5 million “ghost” or non-existent flood control project in Davao Occidental.
The chief executive said the accused face non-bailable charges of graft and malversation and cannot post bail for their temporary liberty pending trial.
“Ang mga akusado ay nahaharap sa kasong graft at malversation. Ito pong mga kasong ito, hindi po bailable ito. Hindi pwedeng bayaran para sila’y makalabas sa kulungan,” he said.
Among those charged in the case is controversial contractor Sarah Discaya, whose name has been implicated in a number of flood control projects in the country.
Discaya is currently under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after making her voluntary surrender last December 9.
Meanwhile, eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who were implicated in the Davao Occidental case have expressed their intention to surrender to authorities.
Marcos then went on to emphasize that the government will continue to pursue filing criminal cases against all those involved in the flood control scandal as he reiterated his commitment to exact accountability and ensure the recovery of public funds.
“Titiyakin po natin na hindi lamang sila ay makakasuhan, kundi maibalik ang pera ng ating mga kababayan ay ibalik sa kaban ng ating bansa,” he said.
The flood control case was first opened following the fourth State of the Nation Address of President Marcos in July, when he famously uttered the line, “Mahiya naman kayo,” to those involved in the anomalous projects.