Palace: Gov’t has not forgotten flood control mess

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro (RTVM screengrab)

MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday denied that the government has eased up on its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, stressing that accountability efforts are ongoing.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration continues to prioritize its anti-corruption drive, which she noted is a key factor behind public trust in the President.

“Iyan naman po talaga ang nais ng Pangulo. Ang administrasyon ngayon ay lumalaban sa korapsyon (That is what the President wants to show. This administration is fighting corruption),” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Responding to claims that the issue is being neglected, Castro dismissed the assertions.

“Sa mga nagsasabi nang ganyan, hoy, gising! Wala pong natutulog pagdating sa pag-iimbestiga sa flood control projects (To those saying that, hey, wake up! No one is sleeping when it comes to the investigation of flood control projects),” she said.

She noted that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which the President created in September last year, has submitted its findings to both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which are continuing the investigations.

Castro explained that the ICI has effectively completed its mandate following the submission of its report, citing the “sunset clause” or functus officio provision under Executive Order No. 94 which created the body.

“Ibig sabihin, a-accomplish na nila ang kanilang trabaho (This means they have accomplished their work),” she said.

She added that the President relied on the commission’s assessment that it had fulfilled its mandate.

The Palace official emphasized that the ICI served as a fact-finding body, with its recommendations now under evaluation for possible case buildup and prosecution.

“Lahat po ng kanilang na-irekomenda, nasa kamay na po iyan ng DOJ at ng Ombudsman (All their recommendations are now in the hands of the DOJ and the Ombudsman),” Castro said.

She noted that authorities are currently handling numerous cases related to the issue.

“Sa totoo lamang po, mukhang overwhelmed po ang Ombudsman at ang DOJ sa dami … ng mga kasong pinaparekomendang sampahan (In fact, the Ombudsman and DOJ appear overwhelmed by the number of cases recommended for filing),” she added.

Castro assured the public that investigations and prosecutions will proceed based on evidence.

“Kahit sino pa iyan kung mayroong kinalaman, ebidensiya ang magiging basehan (Whoever is involved, if there is evidence, that will be the basis),” she said.

The Palace reiterated that no one will be spared from accountability as long as there is sufficient proof.