Statement of Pres. Bongbong Marcos on Flood Control Issue in PH
BONGBONG MARCOS – The President reacted to the criticism of alleged ‘slow’ action towards the culprits of the flood control issue.
Recently, some labor and business groups have aired their frustration over the alleged ‘slow’ government response on the flood control issue in the country. On the alleged ‘slow’ government response to the flood control issue, Malacañang emphasized the “due process”. According to Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro, even the people who are calling for accountability might fall victims if the government will not uphold due process in implementing the law.
The flood control investigation is led by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI. It is a three-member body that Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered to create amid the flood control mess in the country. The House of Representatives stopped its flood control probe following the creation of the ICI.
Several senators and congressmen were linked to the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate had a change of leaderships amid the issue. Senator Chiz Escudero was ousted and replaced with Senate Pres. Tito Sotto. Escudero faced allegations for accepting a P30-million campaign donation from a flood control contractor.
The contractor linked to Sen. Chiz Escudero claimed that the P30-million campaign donation supposedly came from his own pocket. The former Senate President was also accused by Roberto Bernardo, a former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), of allegedly receiving a P160-million kickback from the flood control projects.
Amid the flood control issue and controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya accusing him of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects, presidential cousin and Leyte Cong. Martin Romualdez resigned from being the House speaker. According to him, he wants the ICI to be able to freely and fully exercise their mandate.
Recently, amid the criticisms of alleged ‘slow’ government response on the flood control issue in the Philippines, based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Pres. Bongbong Marcos issued an explanation. The President spoke while he was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
According to Pres. Bongbong Marcos, he has been receiving messages on what to do to the culprits of the flood control issue and their loots. He stressed that there should be due process in resolving the matter.
“‘Alam naman natin kung sino sila, ikulong mo na.’ ‘Kunin mo lahat ang pera nila.’ ‘Ipagbenta mo na ‘yung mga bahay nila, ibalik sa ano… What would then I be accused of if we did that?” the President said.
Marcos Jr. also warned that those who are responsible in the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption might get acquitted if the charges filed against them are weak. He stressed that the cases should be backed by solid evidence.
“Can you imagine these people who have stolen billions from the government and from the people, nakawala dahil hindi maganda ang pagka-handle ng ebidensiya? That would be a much worse result,” he expressed.
Based on the report, Pres. Bongbong Marcos claimed that we all know who are the culprits in the flood control issue in the country. According to him, we must make sure that they would be imprisoned and their loots will be returned to the government.
The Senate continued with its hearing on the flood control issue even after the creation of the ICI. However, its inquiries were on pause since Senator Ping Lacson resigned from being the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee. Meanwhile, recently, Sen. Ping Lacson claimed that the next Senate flood probe will be on November 14 and he wants to invite a ‘very important witness’ if he will be elected again as the Blue Ribbon chairman.