THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to issue subpoenas this coming week in connection with plunder complaints filed against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former Public Works and Highways secretary Manuel Bonoan, and former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said the cases are now moving toward the preliminary investigation stage with hearings possibly scheduled toward the end of the month. “Tulad ng sinabi ko, mag-iisyu ng subpoena, pero hindi naman kasi ako ang nag-iisyu ng subpoena. Yung panel po ang naka-assign diyan,” Fadullon said.
He added that while he could not yet confirm the specific dates, the law requires that respondents be given time to obtain copies of the complaints and supporting documents and to submit their counter-affidavits.
Bonoan, who recently returned to the country, is among the respondents facing plunder charges before the DOJ over alleged irregularities linked to flood control projects. The complaint against Bonoan was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation, where he is named a co-respondent of Estrada.
DOJ officials have said the plunder complaint does not involve a single project or locality but centers on allegations that the respondents amassed ill-gotten wealth exceeding ₱50 million through a series of transactions tied to flood control projects.
