Politics · Philippines Bureau
NBI witness claims kickbacks to lawmakers routine in gov't projects
An NBI investigator testified Tuesday that payments to government officials, including senators, from infrastructure contractors were widely known practice. The testimony came during the opening day of bail hearings before the Sandiganbayan.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — An agent of the National Bureau of Investigation told the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Tuesday that alleged kickbacks to various government officials and lawmakers from infrastructure project contractors were "general knowledge" within the system.
NBI Investigative Agent III Ivan Bernard Samson, the prosecution's lead witness, presented testimony during the first day of bail hearings in the high court. His statements suggested that such payments from contractors to government proponents were a widely understood, if illicit, aspect of how major public works projects operated.
Samson's testimony came as part of proceedings examining allegations related to improper payments connected to government infrastructure contracts. The witness provided evidence indicating the practice was not isolated but rather represented a systemic issue within project implementation.
The Sandiganbayan proceedings mark a significant development in ongoing investigations into potential corruption involving high-ranking officials. The testimony underscores allegations that contractors routinely directed portions of project costs toward payments intended for government decision-makers and legislators involved in project approval and oversight.