Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said that warrants of arrest against individuals implicated in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal could be issued as early as late November or December.

In an interview on DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Remulla explained that the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman are expediting the process to ensure accountability.

“Mag-iissue tayo ng warrant of arrest mga late November or early December. Baka meron tayong arrest warrant na ready kasi magfa-file pa ulit kami ng mga kaso at pabibilisin pa ‘yong proseso sa loob ng Ombudsman,” Remulla said.

He lamented the traditionally slow pace of preliminary investigations, which often take up to three years, and emphasized the need for swift action.

“Wala kasing urgency dito. Dito inaabot ng tatlong taon ang preliminary investigation, traditionally. Hindi na tayo pwede maghintay ng ganoon,” he added.

Remulla assured that the government is determined to file cases and bring them before the Sandiganbayan or the Regional Trial Court, depending on jurisdiction, at the soonest possible time.

“Sisikapin natin na mailahad natin kaagad ‘yan sa Sandiganbayan o sa RTC depende sa korte na may jurisdiction sa mga kasong ito, sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.

The flood control scandal has implicated several public officials and contractors over alleged anomalies in infrastructure projects funded under the government’s flood mitigation program.