Rep Benitez urges DOJ to protect flood proj whistleblowers

Bacolod City Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect whistleblowers involved in the investigation of alleged corrupt flood control projects.

Benitez urged the DOJ to provide protection for witnesses, including DPWH officials and employees with key information, under the whistleblower program, emphasizing that it is crucial for the government to offer a platform and adequate protection for those willing to testify against corruption.

The lawmaker stressed the importance of uncovering the truth about public funds misappropriation and noted that the DOJ can take the initiative to 'seek out' potential whistleblowers among DPWH officials and employees.

Benitez emphasized, 'Pagkakataon na ito para maisiwalat nila ang katotohanan. Responsibilidad ng pamahalaan na bigyan sila ng plataporma at karampatang proteksyon upang maitaguyod ang katotohanan' (This is an opportunity for them to reveal the truth. It is the government's responsibility to provide them with a platform and proper protection to uphold the truth).

Rep. Benitez also called on DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to resign, stating that he should take accountability as the agency's head.

As congressional investigations begin, claims have emerged that some lawmakers are tied to anomalous flood control projects, either through budget insertions or direct ties to contractors, with some reportedly receiving campaign donations from these same contractors.