DOJ to probe senators, congressmen over ghost project kickbacks

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to begin a fact-finding investigation next week into senators and congressmen allegedly receiving kickbacks from ghost and substandard flood control projects.

Justice Secretary Undersecretary Jesse Andres confirmed that a new batch of six cases, distinct from the five already under preliminary investigation involving lower-ranking DPWH officials, will undergo case build-up.

These upcoming cases will involve higher officials, including politicians, who allegedly benefited from the kickback scheme by "downloading" funds.

While specific lawmakers' names have surfaced in reports, they have not yet been formally accused, and evidence against them might be circumstantial if they did not directly receive kickbacks.