Amid the Flood Control Issue, ICI Inspects Flood Control Projects in Ilocos Norte
ICI – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure spoke on the flood control projects that they inspected in Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Amid the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption in the Philippines, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered that an independent body to investigate the flood control issue should be formed. His order led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure is a three-member body led by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. Previously, following its creation, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson claimed that the ICI should begin their flood control probe in Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of Marcos Jr.
According to Singson, the companies owned by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya have several projects in Ilocos Norte. Malacañang previously called on the government agencies to probe the statements of the former Ilocos Sur Governor against the President.
Recently, based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the ICI inspected the flood control projects of the Discayas in Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The team was composed of the commission’s special adviser, Rodolfo Azurin Jr.; Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong; the local engineers; and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar.
According to Azurin, when the team arrived in Ilocos Norte, they did not find any visible damage on the flood control structures. The ICI special adviser stressed that the structures were repaired before their arrival.
âNa-report na nagiba two months ago pero pagdating natin na-repair. So ibig sabihin this is part of the warranty of the contractor,â the ICI special adviser said.
Based on the report, while the flood control structures were repaired even before the team arrived, Azurin clarified that it does not clear the Discayas from liabilities. He and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the measurement of the steel bars, the segments, and the dike.
Reportedly, in total, Ilocos Norte received around P9 billion flood control funds for 150 projects from 2016 to 2025. According to Azurin, they will prioritize the review of the structures built by the companies owned by the Discayas.
Previously, amid the flood control mess in the Philippines, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson called on the students to boycott their classes until all corrupt government officials resign.