DOJ probes Aquino allies in alleged multi-billion fake right of way claims

DOJ Secretary Vitalliano Aguirre II. INQUIRER.net / Jhoanna Ballaran

(Updated 2:53 p.m., Nov. 24, 2017) Former ranking officials from the previous administration as well as a close friend of former President Benigno Aquino III are facing investigation for their alleged ties with a syndicate involved in the fake right of way claims in General Santos City, which cost the government P8.7-billion in losses.

At a press conference, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said a witness came forward and gave names of those allegedly involved namely: Wilma Mamburam, Col. Chino Mamburan, Merceditas Dumlao and Nelson Ti.

Aguirre added that their witness also identified as a certain Nelso Ti was the group’s financier, a close friend of Aquino.

The Justice secretary said former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad “may have potential liabilities.”

Abad, he said approved the release of payment for the illegal claims while Singson was the one who approved and requested the release of payment for the right of way claims.

Based on the initial reports submitted by the NBI to the DOJ, the group operates by using fake titles and non-existent  persons and submit it to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to claim for just compensation from the expropriation because it will be affected the construction of a national highway in General Santos City.

“We have information that one claim for “just compensation” amounts to PHP29 million pesos,” Aguirre said adding that their witness has helped process such claims.

From 2009 when the syndicate started to operate, the members of this syndicate were able to process more than 300 folders containing fake road-right-of-way amounting to more or less P8.7 billion./jpv

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