By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday said the extensive investigation into anomalous flood control projects is yielding results, noting that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is gathering evidence on the alleged irregularities.
“Nakikita na ang unti-unting pamumunga ng pinasimulan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pagpapaimbestiga sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects sa bansa (We can see the gradual fruition of the investigation initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. into anomalous flood control projects in the country),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
Castro said concerned agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have taken appropriate actions to file criminal charges against the individuals involved in the questionable and nonexistent flood mitigation projects.
She added the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has also secured freeze order on the assets of individuals and entities currently under investigation for their alleged links to flood control mess.
Castro said Marcos wants to ensure there is sufficient evidence against those behind the anomalous flood control projects.
She assured the ICI will remain an “independent body” amid its investigation into the alleged misuse of funds for flood control initiatives.
“Ang pagiging independent ng isang investigating body ay makikita kung ito ba ay impartial, walang kinikilingan, walang kinakampihan, walang tinatanggap na suhol o napapabalitang tumanggap ng suhol para ipagtanggol ang nasasabing sangkot (The independence of an investigating body can be seen if it is impartial, unbiased, does not take sides, and does not accept bribes or is rumored to have accepted bribes to defend the accused),” Castro said.
She said the ICI will pursue “all possible angles” to complete its evidence, including reviewing government documents.
“Ang ICI ay isang independent commission mag-iimbestiga at saan ba sila kukuha ng mga impormasyon? Sa lahat na maaari nilang pagkakuhanan (The ICI is an independent commission that will investigate, but where will they get their information? From all possible sources), but you just cannot get evidence out of thin air,” Castro said.
Dismissed DPWH Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara and former assistant engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza arrived at the ICI office in Taguig City on Wednesday to attend the independent body’s hearing into the anomalous flood control projects.
The ICI has yet to issue a statement on the results of its latest inquiry. (PNA)
