Philippines files graft cases against influential lawmakers as part of 'cleansing process'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Philippine Justice Department has filed major corruption complaints against three influential senators and other lawmakers following a public outcry over the alleged misuse of millions of dollars in development funds.
The complaints against the lawmakers, including veteran Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, allege a conspiracy to divert $141 million to dummy aid organizations and ghost projects in exchange for kickbacks.
The scandal has riled the impoverished nation and prompted hundreds of thousands of people to protest last month.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}At the center of the scandal is a woman who acted as a conduit for the money and surrendered to President Benigno Aquino III in August after she was charged with illegal detention of a whistleblower.
An anti-graft court will have to decide whether to issue arrest warrants.