Ombudsman Speaks on Victims of Typhoon Tino
The Ombudsman gave a message for the families of the victims of the flood caused by Typhoon Tino in Cebu and the Visayas region.
Countless Filipinos were left disappointed by the massive flooding in Cebu despite the huge budget for the flood control projects in the province. Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro was disappointed with the massive flooding citing the P26 billion flood control funds. According to her, most of the flood control projects in the city were either ghost or substandard.
Baricuatro said they have already inspected the flood mitigation in Cebu. She also confirmed that they have submitted reports about the flood control projects to the ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure).
The ICI was created under the order of President Bongbong Marcos to probe the flood control issue in the Philippines amid the supposed multi-billion corruption. It is led by former Justice Andres Reyes Jr. The three-member body’s flood control probe is ongoing.
The ICI previously submitted a recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman on the filing of charges against some individuals linked to the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption. The commission previously agreed to livestream its future flood hearings.
Previously, Ombudsman Boying Remulla confirmed that up to 15 government officials may be charged based on the initial filing of flood control charges. Recently, his Office also spoke on the victims of the massive flood caused by Typhoon Tino.
Tino brought heavy rains that led to massive flood in Cebu and several other areas in the Visayas region. Based on a report on Inquirer, the Ombudsman assured that “justice will be pursued” for the victims of the flood triggered by the typhoon.
The Ombudsman stressed that it stood with the nation in mourning the passing of those who died and the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino. Based on the report, the office assured that they have acted.
“To the families of all victims of the calamity—we hear you, and we have acted,” the Ombudsman said.
According to the Ombudsman, a special task force that was previously tasked to probe the flood control projects was ordered to prioritize the investigation of the projects meant to prevent the wrath of Typhoon Tino. Previously, Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH chief Vince Dizon confirmed that the Monterazzas project of Slater Young is being investigated.