Senators Escudero, Estrada and Villanueva may be among those to spend Xmas in jail: Remulla

Three incumbent and two former senators linked to the anomalous flood control project are among the personalities that may spend their Christmas in jail, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview on Sunday.

Remulla said the warrant of arrests against Senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, former Senators Nancy Binay and Ramon Revilla Jr. and the controversial former Ako-Bikol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co are expected to be issued middle of next month.

"I think their warrant will be issued by December 15 or 16 as long as they will not hide," he said.

"We are watching them already," he added when asked how likely that they will be arrested before December 25.

Remulla also mentioned cases against more than 20 individuals including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its contractors will also be filed before Christmas.

However, the Ombudsman noted that the investigation against other personalities including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Senator Sonny Angara, former Senator Grace Poe, Senator Mark Villar are still ongoing.

Last Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that there are personalities that will be jailed before Christmas because of their involvement in the flood control mess. Robina Asido/DMS