Marcos wants heads to roll in flood control mess

Malacañang reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm stand that those behind alleged irregularities in flood control projects must be held to account, even as he leaves the investigation in the hands of independent and mandated institutions.

At a Palace press briefing last week, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the President continues to respect the ongoing probe by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and is ready to support its work should the need arise.

“Kung ano ang nais ng ICI, according to the President, kung ano ang nais nilang gawin at gusto pa nilang magpatuloy, sabihin lamang nila sa Pangulo at susuportahan sila,” Castro said.

She stressed that the President has long made clear his position on accountability, while allowing concerned agencies to fully exercise their mandates.

“Unang-una, noon pa niya sinabi, lahat ng sangkot ay dapat mapanagot,” Castro emphasized.

According to her, the ICI is primarily tasked with the investigation, while other agencies are also involved in reviewing documents and determining possible cases.

“Ang pag-iimbestiga ay iniwan niya sa kamay ng ICI. Ang mga dokumento na dapat aralin at kung dapat sinong kasuhan, iniwan niya na rin sa Department of Public Works and Highways. Nandyan din at nangako ang Ombudsman na sila ay magpapatuloy sa pag-iimbestiga, pati ang Department of Justice,” she said.

Castro clarified that the President does not interfere with the Commission’s work due to its independent nature, although any findings or recommendations will eventually be elevated to him.

“Nandiyan rin ang patuloy na pagpapaimbestiga sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects. Pero ang nais ng Pangulo ngayon, ang gusto niya tutukan ay ang pag-angat ng ekonomiya ng bansa,” she said.

She added that once cases are filed, the President prefers to let the judicial process take its course.

“Ang tungkol sa flood control projects, hayaan na natin sa mga mag-iimbestiga, at kung nakasuhan na, hayaan na natin ito sa korte at sa Sandiganbayan,” Castro said.

While the probes continue, Castro noted that the Chief Executive remains focused on broader governance concerns, particularly economic recovery and growth.

“Ang gusto niyang tutukan at mai-discuss sa inyo ay kung paano niya maiaangat ang buhay ng Pilipino. Mas magandang pag-usapan kung anuman ang plano niya patungkol sa ekonomiya ng bansa,” she added.