Published September 3, 2017, 10:00 PM
By Nestor L.Abrematea

Tacloban City – The House of Representatives committee on housing and urban development is eyeing criminal charges against individuals and officials involved in the anomalous implementation of various housing projects intended for victims of super- typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

Rep. Albee Benitez, House committee chairman, the results of the investigation on the supposed housing project anomalies, wherein substandard materials were allegedly used, will be forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Benitez and other members of the committee, recently conducted site inspections of the housing projects in Eastern Samar towns and conducted a public hearing here on the status of the project implementation.

“We will forward to the DOJ the result of our investigation and they will be the one to file the appropriate charges, Benitez told members of the Leyte media.

Benitez said the committee will provide security and other assistance to the witnesses who will help them in the prosecution of the officials and individuals involved in the anomalies.

Leyte Rep. Vicente  S. Veloso said the appropriate charges for those involved in the anomalous housing projects for super-typhoon  Yolanda victims are estafa and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

“The appropriate charges are estafa for defrauding the government and the anti-corrupt and practices act for causing undue damage to the government,” Veloso pointed out.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben P. Evardone, authored House resolution no. 599, which called for the congressional investigation into the housing projects in Hernani and Balangiga towns.