Statement of Malacañang on Criticisms against Flood Control Scam in PH
Malacañang reacted to the criticism of alleged ‘slow’ response on the flood control issue in the Philippines.
Countless Filipinos were left angry by the flood control issue in the Philippines. Several senators and congressmen were tagged in the supposed flood control corruption in the country. Last September 21, thousands of Filipinos joined the ‘Trillion Peso March’ to protest against corruption.
Amid the flood control issue in the Philippines, President Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of the independent commission to probe the infrastructure projects of the government. The order of the Chief Executive led to the creation of the ICI or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The ICI is a three-member body that is currently investigating the flood control issue in the country. It has invited some government officials to its probe including Senator Chiz Escudero and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez who recently appeared before the ICI vowed to extend any help he can to fast-track the resolution of the flood control issue. He was supposedly set to return last October 22 but he requested for the postponement of the hearing for his “medical procedure”.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has the power to move for the freezing or seizure of the assets linked to anomalies. It also has a subpoena power but it lacks the authority to cite individuals in contempt.
Amid the flood control investigation in the country, there are criticisms that the government’s action towards the issue is allegedly ‘slow’. Recently, Malacañang reacted to the said claim of several Filipinos including the members of business groups.
Speaking at Kuala Lumpur, Malacañang press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that due process must be observed. Based on a report on GMA News, she explained that the government is fast-tracking the process but it is not sped up to violate human rights.
“Sa mga naiinip, ang pamahalaan po ay nasa tamang pagkilos na naaayon sa batas. Nagmamadali? Yes, minamadali lahat pero hindi natin mamamadali ang lahat pero magba-violate tayo ng batas at ng human rights,” Castro said.
Based on the report, Atty. Claire Castro further explained that what the government is doing now has something to do with the observance of the due process. According to the Malacañang press official, if there is no due process, even the people who are calling for a speedy resolution of the flood control issue now may allegedly fall victims to the lack of due process.
“Kayo rin po ay mabibiktima kapag ka walang due process. So isipin natin, ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan ngayon ay may katungkulan sa due process,” the Malacañang press official said.
Recently, the ICI confirmed that they are eyeing the livestreaming of the flood control probe next month, thus, they target to create the rules the soonest time possible.