Manila, Sept. 10 -- Some flood control-related graft cases filed before the Sandiganbayan have already reached the defense stage in less than a year, a development senators said should strengthen the government's push for swift accountability in corruption cases.

During the Senate hearing on the Judiciary's proposed 2027 budget, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg said the first batch of flood control cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on Nov. 18, 2025 is already moving through trial.

"The first of the flood control cases that was filed by the Honorable Ombudsman was in November 18, 2025. Of the first cases that were filed, they are already in the defense stage," Econg told senators.

"That means that in less t...