Statement of Malacañang on Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s Remarks over ICI Creation
Malacañang hit back at Vice President Sara Duterte over her criticisms against the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for the flood control probe.
Amid the flood control issue in the Philippines, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of the ICI. The three-member independent body for infrastructure probe has the power to move for the seizure of assets as well as the issuance of subpoena.
The ICI can move for the freezing of assets linked to irregularities. However, it has no power to cite an individual in contempt. The commission has invited several individuals tagged in the flood control issue including presidential cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Romualdez vowed to extend any help he can for the swift resolution of the issue. According to the ICI, the Leyte Congressman denied the accusation that luggage filled with millions of cash were allegedly delivered to his residence.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez asked the ICI to postpone the next hearing due to his “medical procedure”. Recently, controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya who were the first ones to tag Romualdez in the issue withdrew their cooperation on the flood control issue.
Ombudsman Boying Remulla believes that the Discayas are possibly protecting some individuals. According to him, the contractors are allegedly making a “selective” revelation.
The Ombudsman believes that the Discayas are possibly protecting Senator Bong Go. Amid the issue, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte believes that there is allegedly an attempt to get the investigation to her side through the Senator.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte also believes that the creation of the ICI was allegedly to legitimize the story that the Marcos Jr. administration wants the Filipinos to believe in. Recently, Malacañang reacted to the claim of the Vice President.
Based on a report on PhilStar, Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro said that the people who are part of the government but are unable to help the government and the country are allegedly pitiful. She further claimed that it is pitiful that someone who is considered a public servant is just allegedly stating made-up stories.
“Kaawa-awa ang mga taong parte ng gobyerno pero hindi nakakatulong sa gobyerno at sa bayan. Kaawa-awa ang taong naturingang public servant; puro haka-haka lang ang sinasabi para makapanira sa gobyerno,” the Malacañang press official said.
Based on the report, Atty. Claire Castro further said that the alleged made-up stories of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte has no value. According to the Malacañang press official, it should not be given an attention.
“Ang mga tahi-tahi nyang kwento ay walang halaga. Hindi na dapat intindihan pa. Ang tanong: May kinatatakutan ba siyang mabunyag sa ginagawang pag-iimbestiga kaya pilit niyang sinisiraan ng integridad ng ICI? Tandaan natin ang mga miyembro po ng ICI ay puro experts at may integridad at wala nang politiko rito,” she said.
Amid the flood control mess, there were accusations that the flood control probe will allegedly lead to the doorsteps of Malacañang. Marcos Jr. reacted to the speculations that the flood control probe will lead to the Palace.