Sandro Marcos Ready to Answer ICI Questions
SANDRO MARCOS – The House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative has expressed his full willingness to cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in its investigation of irregularities in flood control projects.
In a letter to ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. dated November 26, Marcos affirmed that he is ready to appear before the commission at any time and is willing to provide any necessary explanations or information that could assist the investigation. He emphasized his commitment to answer questions and support the commission’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the country’s infrastructure concerns.
The ICI has been examining possible issues involving lawmakers and flood control projects, including “ghost” projects and questionable budget insertions. Former Ako-Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who chaired the House Appropriations Committee for much of the 19th Congress, linked Sandro Marcos to certain budget insertions in the 2025 national budget. Co claimed that Marcos, as senior deputy majority leader, added at least P50 billion over the past three years during bicameral conference committee meetings.
Marcos denied these allegations, asserting that Co was attempting to undermine the current administration and evade his own legal accountability. He described Co’s statements as false and politically motivated, suggesting that the former lawmaker may have colluded with groups seeking to destabilize the government. Marcos reiterated his commitment to transparency and his readiness to cooperate with any legitimate inquiry.
Over the past two months, the ICI has investigated several lawmakers linked to flood control projects associated with companies awarded government contracts. The commission has recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that criminal and administrative charges be filed against both former and current lawmakers connected to these projects, including Zaldy Co, Edwin Gardiola, James Ang Jr., Jernie Nisay, Augustina Pancho, Joseph Lara, Francisco Matugas, and Noel Rivera.