Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday assured prompt action once cases arising from the ongoing investigation on anomalous projects are filed in court. The assurance was made by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen during an interview on the sidelines of the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations anniversary at the Manila Hotel.

According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Leonen emphasized the impartial role of the Judiciary in supporting the Ombudsman. He noted that the judiciary’s role is to receive evidence and ensure that cases are built properly, allowing for the discovery, preservation, and presentation of evidence in a timely manner. Leonen highlighted that both the Sandiganbayan and regional trial courts will have jurisdiction over these cases, reiterating the judiciary’s support in processing them.

Justice Leonen also revealed that the Supreme Court is reviewing certain projects conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the SC, some of which involve firms previously named in investigations related to anomalous infrastructure deals. He mentioned that some projects were included in the budget for halls of justice, which were outside the judiciary’s budget, and were executed by the DPWH.

Justice Samuel Gaerlan is currently examining several projects conducted by contractors listed in the investigation. Leonen assured that while most of these projects have been completed, the SC is conducting due diligence to ensure that they were not shortchanged.