President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally initiated the investigation into anomalous flood control projects, which has resulted in ongoing arrests, filed cases, and efforts to recover public funds, an indication of a strong commitment to holding accountable those involved in the scheme, Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Office Claire Castro emphasized that the administration’s ongoing crackdown on anomalous flood control projects stems from President Marcos’ directive to uncover irregularities and hold accountable those responsible.
“Tandaan natin, ang Pangulo ang nagpasimula nito. Hindi mabubukas ang ating isipan, hindi mabubukas ang ating mga mata, hindi mabubukas ang ating tenga kung hindi mismo si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang nagpasimula ng pag-iimbestiga na ito,” Castro said in a press briefing.
“Nais ng Pangulo na managot ang dapat na managot.”
So far, the Office of the Ombudsman has filed charges and sent to jail several individuals allegedly involved in ghost and anomalous flood control projects, a few months after President Marcos’ Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28.
The cases were recommended by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which the President tasked to investigate infrastructure projects during the past 10 years and to gather evidence against those who abused public funds.
Castro said President Marcos’ decisive actions on the flood control anomalies demonstrate the President’s resolve to pursue accountability.
“Siya ang nagpaimbestiga, hanggang ngayon ay maraming ginagawang aksyon para mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot. Ang dami na napaaresto, marami na rin na kinasuhan, marami na naibalik na pondo,” the Palace Press Officer added.
Castro stressed that several high-profile and influential individuals have already been charged and arrested as a result of the ongoing investigations. | PND
