Statement of Malacañang on ICI Flood Control Investigation
Malacañang claimed that Pres. Bongbong Marcos is satisfied with the flood control probe conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Amid the flood control issue in the Philippines, Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of an independent body to probe the infrastructure projects funded by the government. The order led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI.
The ICI is a three-member body armed with broad powers. The team is lead by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. It has the power to move for the freezing or seizure of the assets linked to irregularities.
The ICI also has the power to issue a subpoena and investigate the individuals who are allegedly violating the anti-graft and corruption laws in the country. However, it lacks the contempt power. Meanwhile, several government officials showed cooperation in the flood control investigation.
Presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez who recently resigned from being the House speaker was one of those who attended the flood control probe of the ICI. He is one of the congressmen accused of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects.
Romualdez claimed that he is willing to extend any help to fast track the resolution of the issue. However, he asked the ICI to postpone the October 22 hearing citing that he is set for a “medical procedure”.
Amid the ongoing investigation, many Filipinos are undeniably frustrated that none has yet to be put in jail. Meanwhile, as per Malacañang, Pres. Bongbong Marcos is satisfied with the ongoing flood control probe conducted by the ICI.
”Kung may igaganda pa, hindi naman po ito sasarhan ng Pangulo pero sa ngayon po, sa nakikita po natin, maganda po ang itinatakbo ng pagiimbestiga ng ICI,” Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro said based on a report on GMA News.
Meanwhile, Castro admitted that it would be better if the ICI will have more teeth. Based on the report, the Malacañang press official also has good words over the independent commission inviting senators and members of the Congress and these people responding to the invitaion.
”So sa ngayon po, maganda po ang itinatakbo ng ICI at ginagalang po ng mga witnesses or mga pinapatawag or diumanong concerned parties, ginagalang nila ang ICI at tumutugon sila sa patawag,” she said.
However, on the other side, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte recently criticized the alleged “slow response” of Marcos Jr.’s office on the corruption issue in the Philippines.