Senate Pres. Tito Sotto Speaks on Flood Control Investigation
TITO SOTTO – The Senate President confirmed that he is set to meet with Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Independent Commission for infrastructure (ICI) amid the flood control probe.
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of an independent body that will investigate the infrastructure projects of the government. His decision came after the discovery of several ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control structures.
Following the order of the President, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or the ICI was created. The said independent body for infrastructure probe has the power to move for the seizure of assets. It also has the power to issue a subpoena to compel individuals to attend the investigation.
Furthermore, the power of the ICI also includes the investigation of the violators of the anti-graft and corruption laws in the Philippines. It is a three-member body with a special adviser in the person of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Previously, amid the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Senate confirmed that it will continue its probe on the alleged flood control corruption. It recently detained controversial contractor Curlee Discaya, Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan District chief Henry Alcantara, and dismissed DPWH engineer Brice Hernandez.
Sen. Chiz Escudero was ousted and replaced by now Senate Pres. Tito Sotto amid the flood control mess in the country. Escudero earned countless criticisms after he admitted that he received a P30-million campaign donation from one of the contractors flagged by Marcos Jr.
Aside from Escudero, senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada also earned criticisms after dismissed DPWH Engr. Brice Hernandez accused them of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects in the government. Most of the Duterte bloc members are now part of the Minority bloc.
Recently, Senate Pres. Tito Sotto confirmed that he will meet with the independent commission of Pres. Bongbong Marcos for the flood control probe. Based on a report on GMA News, the Senate Chief claimed that the ICI wants him to discuss to them the budget amendments and insertions.
“[They] want me to brief them on Senate procedures regarding budget amendments and insertions,” Sotto expressed.
Furthermore, Senate Pres. Tito Sotto also confirmed meeting with Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Boying Remulla and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Ping Lacson for “consultations” on the flood probe.
With regards to the investigation of the lower chamber, House Speaker Bojie Dy recently announced that the flood control probe is best left to the hands of the ICI.