By: Jeffrey G. Damicog
Former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson could be held liable for plunder and malversation over their alleged involvement in an P8.7-billion road right of way scam in General Santos City, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said yesterday.
“Former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad who apparently approved the release of payment for illegal RROW claims as requested by DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson may also face potential criminal liability,” Aguirre said in a statement.
Aguirre said a male witness revealed the scam which is now being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation.
“Consequently, I have instructed the NBI to continue its case build-up in order to further strengthen the case which most likely will include several high ranking officials of the Aquino administration,” he said.
The Secretary said the syndicate involved in the scam, which started way back in 2009, submits fake land titles of non-existent owners to allow them to claim from the DPWH just compensation for the expropriation of lands which will be occupied by various government road projects.