Bulacan Flood Project Scam: DOJ Moves Forward with Subpoenas and Preliminary Probe
DOJ Pushes Forward in Flood Project Probe
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a major step forward in addressing the alleged irregularities surrounding five flood control projects in Bulacan, issuing subpoenas to several individuals implicated in what has been described as a multimillion-peso anomaly.
According to DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez, the subpoenas were served last week, and the first preliminary investigation hearing is scheduled for November 10 at 1 p.m. This marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention for its implications on public infrastructure integrity and government accountability
Due Process First: DOJ Emphasizes Rule of Law
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida urged both the public and the media to allow the investigation to proceed through proper legal channels. Speaking during the Justice Summit in Pasay City, Vida emphasized the importance of following due process:
“My appeal is that we follow the process. Hindi tayo pwede mag-short cut (We cannot make short cuts). We cannot play God on this. We need to follow the rule of law,”
— Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida
Vida also expressed hope that the preliminary investigation and subsequent court filings could be completed before the end of the year, signaling the DOJ’s intent to move the case forward swiftly but lawfully.
Who’s Involved: Key Individuals Named
The documents submitted earlier by the DOJ to the Office of the Ombudsman identified several individuals allegedly involved in the flood control anomalies, including officials from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office:
Henry Alcantara
Brice Ericson Hernandez
Arjay Domasig
Jaypee Mendoza
Nino Lawrence Morales
Juanito Mendoza
Floralyn Simbulan
Christina Mae Pineda
Sally Santos, representative of Syms Construction
These individuals face potential charges of malversation, falsification by public officers, perjury, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Ombudsman Remands Case for Preliminary Investigation
The Office of the Ombudsman, led by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, has since remanded the cases back to the DOJ for the conduct of a preliminary investigation. This step ensures that all parties are given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations before formal charges are filed in court.
This move highlights the cooperative oversight between two key government institutions—the DOJ and the Ombudsman—in strengthening transparency and accountability within public service.
Why It Matters: Restoring Public Trust and Fiscal Responsibility
The Bulacan flood control case underscores a broader issue faced by many developing economies: ensuring that public funds are used effectively and ethically. Flood mitigation projects are crucial in a province like Bulacan, where seasonal typhoons and urban expansion have increased the risk of flooding.
Mismanagement or misuse of funds in such projects not only hampers infrastructure progress but also endangers local communities and undermines public trust in government institutions.
For businesses, investors, and even Forex traders, the political and economic stability of a nation plays a critical role in market confidence. Transparency and adherence to the rule of law—as emphasized by Secretary Vida—contribute to a stable investment environment, which directly affects currencies like the Philippine Peso (PHP) in relation to others such as the US Dollar (USD).
A Broader Perspective: Justice and Economic Confidence
Cases like the Bulacan flood project investigation may seem localized, but their implications stretch far wider. Strong institutional governance—when upheld consistently—creates an environment where investors, both domestic and international, have greater confidence in the country’s fiscal and regulatory systems.
For traders in the Forex market, these developments are worth watching, as perceptions of corruption or reform can influence currency strength and market sentiment. A government’s active efforts to pursue justice and promote transparency often translate to long-term economic resilience.
At Global Markets Eruditio (GME Academy), we encourage Forex Trading for Beginners and experienced traders alike to consider not only technical data but also macroeconomic and political developments that can shape currency behavior.
Justice, Accountability, and the Road Ahead
As the DOJ’s preliminary investigation begins on November 10, all eyes will be on how the process unfolds and whether accountability will finally be served in the Bulacan flood project controversy.
Secretary Vida’s insistence on following due process signals a renewed push toward integrity in governance—a message that resonates not only within government halls but also in the broader economic landscape.
Ultimately, justice done right strengthens not just the law, but also the nation’s credibility in the eyes of its people and the global community.
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