Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla assured Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III that he need not worry about the failed coup attempt in the Senate, saying several senators linked to the flood control scandal are close to being arrested.
The coup plot last week sought to install Senator Loren Legarda as the country’s first female Senate President. During DZRH’s Executive Session program on Saturday, Remulla told Sotto: “Wag kayong mag-alala, ‘yung arresting team naka-stand by na.”
While Remulla did not name those facing imminent arrest, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Francis Escudero, and former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla. Villanueva faces six malversation complaints tied to Wawao Builders and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., while Estrada and Revilla are respondents in separate plunder cases.
A draft Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report also recommends criminal charges against Villanueva, Estrada, Escudero, Revilla, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said the DOJ could use the committee’s findings as investigative leads: “At best, it may be considered as leads that the department can follow and look into.”
Potential arrests could reduce the strength of the minority bloc seeking to oust Sotto from the Senate leadership.(JCNE)
