By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Monday said members of the independent commission set to be created to investigate anomalous flood control projects will undergo strict screening to ensure impartiality and credibility.
“This independent commission will be under the executive. They will investigate all documents and complaints and recommend cases to the proper agencies. If government officials are involved, the cases will definitely go to the Ombudsman,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing.
“Ang mga miyembro po dapat nito ay talagang independent at hindi pamumulitika ang gagawin (Its members must be truly independent and not engage in politics).”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed that an executive order (EO) is being finalized to establish the body, which he described as the administration’s “investigative arm” to deal with corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“They will investigate it. And they will make recommendations as to what—how to proceed, whether kasuhan itong mga ito or i-Ombudsman o dalhin sa DOJ (whether to sue them or take them to the Ombudsman or take them to the DOJ),” Marcos told reporters in Pasay City.
Marcos said the body’s composition has yet to be finalized but will likely include forensic investigators, prosecutors, lawyers, and retired justices to ensure integrity and competence in reviewing contracts and complaints.
The creation of the commission comes after the resignation of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who stepped down under the principle of command responsibility following irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
Newly appointed DPWH chief Vince Dizon said he would ask the courtesy resignation of all officials in the department as part of a broader cleanup effort. (PNA)
