The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday dismissed reports that three former DPWH engineers were recanting their testimonies linking lawmakers to flood control project anomalies, calling the claims mere “noise.”
“Seems like noise to us. We will only rely on sworn statements,” Assistant Ombudsman and Spokesperson Mico Clavano told reporters.
“Besides, that would hurt their admission into witness protection,” he added.
The reports pertained to former DPWH Bulacan 1st District officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, who were allegedly considering retracting statements made on the flood control irregularities.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson earlier warned that a double whammy could face the engineers if they recant.
Lacson said they could be sanctioned for perjury, and their recantation would not weaken ongoing cases.
Even if they retract their statements, the investigation may proceed, as circumstantial evidence linking individuals to the anomalies has already emerged in prior Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.
The next Senate hearing on the anomalous flood control projects is scheduled for January 19.
The Ombudsman has already filed charges against individuals, including former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, in connection with ghost and substandard flood control projects.