Flood control mess: NBI examines computer of ex-DPWH officials

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is examining the 16 computers belonging to the suspended officers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) as part of its flood control mess probe, state prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The DPWH officials’ computer was tackled during the Sandiganbayan Third Division malversation trial of former Sen. Bong Revilla who is alleged to be the proponent of a P92.8 million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan which prosecutors said to be non-existent.

“I understand the [NBI] examination is ongoing,” a member of the prosecutorial team told Inquirer in a text message after the trial.

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The Wednesday trial heard brief testimony from Ma. Jaynevive Ortiz Luis, DPWH Bulacan 1st DEO supply officer, who said that one of the computers was assigned to Carlo Rivera, a former personnel of ex-DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara.

It was Rivera who previously told the court that his role was to deliver the kickbacks he collected from contractors to Alcantara, which, by his estimate, made “around 50 times,” involving amounts ranging from P2 million to P10 million.

Meanwhile, prosecutors said Luis’ testimony was sought to establish the chain of custody of the said computers.

According to the prosecutor, the NBI computer forensic officer will also testify in court in the coming days. 

Asked if the computers in question contain the list of proponents, the prosecutor said: “That we have to see.” /mr