Palace to biz sector: Corruption crackdown underway

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos has already taken steps against corruption, citing the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is now investigating alleged irregularities in flood control and other public works projects spanning the past decade. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – Malacañang on Monday assured the country’s biggest business groups that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is acting on mounting corruption concerns, but warned individuals allegedly attempting to derail the probe to “stop sabotaging” reforms.

The statement followed a joint resolution by 34 major business organizations urging the President to swiftly address what they called a “historic, massive and unprecedented corruption scandal” in public works.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos has already taken steps against corruption, citing the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is now investigating alleged irregularities in flood control and other public works projects spanning the past decade.

She said the ICI has already ordered asset freezes, issued immigration lookout bulletins, and recommended the filing of charges against implicated officials and contractors.

However, Castro hit back at those allegedly sowing doubt to discredit the ongoing probe.

“Siguro ang hiling na lamang po natin doon sa mga obstructionists na gumagawa na lang ng iba’t ibang kuwento para sirain ang integridad ng ICI, bawasan nila ito o hintuan na nila dahil hindi po ito nakakatulong sa ekonomiya) Our only appeal to obstructionists spreading stories to destroy the ICI’s credibility: tone it down or stop, because it’s not helping the economy),” she said.

Castro said the President is well aware of business sector’s frustrations.

“Nararamdaman po ng Pangulo ang mga sentimyento ng mga negosyante kaya patuloy ang pag-iimbestiga at pagpapabilis ng aksyon (The President understands the concerns of businessmen — that’s why investigations are ongoing and actions are being accelerated), she said.

Asked whether the Palace supports legislative proposals to give the ICI greater legal authority, Castro said the option remains open but noted that the probe is proceeding well.

“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng mas ngipin, pangil ang ICI… pero sa ngayon, maganda ang itinatakbo ng pag-iimbestiga (It would indeed be better if the ICI had more teeth… but for now, the investigation is progressing well),” she added.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, also on Monday, inspected the newly constructed building of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)’s Quezon City Jail – Male Dormitory (QCJMD) along Payatas Road, to ensure the facility’s readiness for any possible indictments of individuals involved in the ongoing flood-control scandal.

The newly built structure currently has 80 unoccupied dorms, ready to accommodate Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Each dorm is designed to house 10 PDLs and comes equipped with one bathroom, one shower, and one toilet to ensure cleanliness and comfort.

The facility also provides purified drinking water, designated areas for exercise and sunlight exposure, and regulated visitation schedules that allow families to bring cooked food to their detained relatives.

The jail also includes dedicated quarters for lawyer-client consultations, with ongoing construction of ten new private cubicles to ensure privacy during legal discussions.

Remulla also vowed that no special treatment will be afforded to any PDLs regardless of status or position.