Amid the Flood Control Probe, Malacañang Says Marcos Jr. Satisfied w/ ICI Investigation
Malacañang spoke on the ongoing flood control probe conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The flood control issue in the Philippines dragged the names of several senators and congressmen into alleged corruption through the flood control projects funded by the government. It urged thousands of Filipinos to join the “Trillion Peso March” last September 21 to call for an end to corruption.
Amid the supposed multi-billion corruption in the country, Marcos Jr. formed the independent probe team with the power to issue subpoena and move for the seizure of assets — the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI. It is composed of three (3) experts led by former Supreme Court Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr.
Following the creation of the ICI, the House Speaker Bojie Dy said the flood control probe is best left in the hands of the independent commission. The Senate continued its investigation but it has yet to resume its hearing after Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson resigned from being the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Several senators, congressmen, and contractors have appeared at the hearings set by the ICI. One of them is presidential cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez who vowed to help in any way he can to speed up the resolution of the flood control issue.
Romualdez stepped down from the House speakership amid the accusations that linked him to the flood control corruption. He denied the allegations claiming that he is “self-made” and does not need to be corrupted by money that are not his.
However, the October 22 hearing was postponed by the ICI following the request of the former Speaker who claimed that he has a “medical procedure” on the said day. Malacañang reacted to the ongoing flood control probe of the ICI.
Based on a report on GMA News, Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro said Pres. Bongbong Marcos is satisfied with the ongoing ICI flood control investigation. Meanwhile, she also clarified that the President will not block suggestions that could better the probe.
‘Kung may igaganda pa, hindi naman po ito sasarhan ng Pangulo pero sa ngayon po, sa nakikita po natin, maganda po ang itinatakbo ng pagiimbestiga ng ICI,” Castro said.
Atty. Claire Castro also expressed that it would be better if the ICI will have more teeth. Meanwhile, based on the report, the Malacañang press official believes that the investigation is going well.
”Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng mas ngipin, pangil ang ICI. Pero sa ngayon po nakikita naman po natin na maganda ang itinatakbo ng ICI. Pag nagpatawag po sila, kahit mga senador, mga miyembro ng Kongreso, sila naman po ay tumutugon at nagbibigay ng pahayag,” the Malacañang press official said.
The Malacañang press officer stressed that the flood control investigation is going well right now. Castro also expressed that the witnesses and the other concerned parties respond to the invitation of the independent commission.
Previously, Malacañang reacted to the criticism of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte against the creation of the ICI amid the flood control mess in the country.