By Alexia Bangayan

Public coffers have reclaimed about P611 million from state witnesses through the restitution process tied to the flood control controversy, acting Justice Secretary Freddrick Vida confirmed on Saturday, March 28.

The recovered funds were paid in installments by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials Roberto Bernardo, Henry Alcantara, and Gerard Opulencia, along with contractor Sally Santos.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the state witnesses are expected to return a total of P1.5 billion.

In an interview with ABC-CBN News at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Vida explained that the DOJ continues to examine and process documents submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to ensure they are consistent with ongoing investigations.

‘‘Everything we finished during the preliminary investigations, we’ve already transmitted and transferred to the Office of the Ombudsman for final approval, thus will be filed as information,’’ Vida said.

He also revealed that resolutions on plunder and graft complaints against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan may soon be forwarded to the Ombudsman for possible legal proceedings. 

Assuring the public of continued efforts, Vida said that more cases will be filed to hold all responsible individuals accountable, including resigned Congressman Zaldy Co, who is reportedly in Portugal.

“The Philippine government is exploring all avenues para mapanagot … lahat ng dapat managot,” he stated.