House Assistant Majority Leader and Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos on Friday called on the Office of the Ombudsman to expedite its probe into alleged kickbacks received by Senator Mark Villar from DPWH infrastructure projects.
“These allegations are grave and cannot be allowed to languish. The public deserves clarity, accountability, and swift action,” Santos said.
He cited former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo’s claim during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that Villar, through contractor Carlo Aguilar, allegedly received half of the 10% commission from certain projects, while Bernardo and former Undersecretary Maria Cabral split the remaining 50%.
“I am calling on the Ombudsman to act with urgency so that the truth may prevail and those responsible—whether public officials or private individuals—are held accountable,” Santos added, stressing the importance of timely investigation to maintain public trust.
Santos also affirmed his willingness to submit relevant documents and communications to the Ombudsman’s special task force probing alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects in southern Metro Manila, which have drawn scrutiny over possible indirect benefits to Villar-linked properties.