Update on ICI Flood Control Investigation in PH
ICI – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure held an inter-agency meeting over the flood control mess in the Philippines.
The flood control issue in the Philippines brought thousands of Filipinos in the streets to protest against corruption. Many people are left disappointed by the supposed involvement of several senators, congressmen, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the alleged multi-billion flood control scam.
Previously, amid the flood control investigation in the country, President Bongbong Marcos stressed about making it sure to hold the flood control culprits accountable, thus, he explained that the authorities are really ensuring a strong case. His remarks came after the criticisms that the government’s actions on the issue is allegedly slow.
According to Marcos Jr., it will be a much worse scenario if the flood control culprits gets acquitted because the charges filed against them are weak. He also stressed the importance of “due process”.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of an independent commission to investigate the flood control issue in the country. His order led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI.
The ICI is a three-member body that has already conducted closed-door hearings for the flood control investigation. The team is led by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes. Recently, the ICI Chairman assured the Filipinos that justice will not be delayed this time.
The commission has already recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of charges against some individuals who are accused of flood control corruption. Among them are Zaldy Co and senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva.
Recently, the ICI held an inter-agency meeting to ensure the recovery of the ill-gotten wealth from the flood control corruption. Based on a report on GMA News, the commission had a meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the DPWH, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Ombudsman, among others.
“We know that every peso na ninakaw ay pisong nawala sa ating bansa at mahalaga po na mag sama-sama kami dito at magtulungan para maibalik ang pera na pagmamayari ng taumbayan,” ICI chairman Reyes said.
Based on the report, during an ambush interview DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the Office of the Solicitor General will file for civil forfeiture of th assets that are linked to anomalies. According to him, it is the faster way compared to filing a criminal case.
“Ito ay mas madali kaysa sa isang kriminal na kaso, mas mabilis. Kasi ang kailangan mo lang i-prove na ‘yung kinikita mo ay mas maliit kaysa doon sa mga pera or assets na mga hawak mo,” Dizon said.
Amid the corruption issue in the Philippines, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson said that Marcos Jr. should be ashamed about the flood control mess.