The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) is set to file several cases with the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the questionable flood control projects involving lawmakers, public works officials and private contractors.
This developed after the ICI held an internal meeting on Monday to discuss the case buildup related to complaints against ghost and substandard projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and their private contractors with influence from politicians.
“As we said, we’ll be filing referrals with the Ombudsman in the next three to four weeks. We are targeting that and we are looking into our current files and documents that we have gathered so far, and the testimonies,” said ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka in a press briefing.
Hosaka did not elaborate further but he promised he will inform members of the media ahead of time “before we file our referrals with the Ombudsman.”
The ICI earlier assured it will not allow itself to be used to advance anyone’s political agenda even as it expressed willingness to receive information from well-intentioned members of the public.
“That’s why we’re being careful here that the commission isn’t used for any political agenda. We don’t want that to happen because it might derail things and mislead the commission,” said Hosaka.
He said the commission wants to make sure that any information to the commission is credible.
“We will examine that carefully, about what this information in these letters really is, or what we’re being given to us. Is this really related to the mandate of the ICI.”
Hosaka also urged the public to be wary about information reported in the news or in any media platform.
“The public should not simply believe these kinds of allegations, but of course, the commission will look into this matter. If there’s a basis for the investigation to continue, then we will move forward and we will investigate and we will make sure to call these people who will be responsible or who might be responsible for these anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure projects.”
Hosaka reiterated that the mandate of the ICI is to investigate, find the facts, and determine who is at fault, hold them accountable and bring them to justice, and in a way, recover the stolen money for the people.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formed the independent commission to probe anomalies in flood control projects involving government officials and private contractors.
The ICI is the sixth government body to conduct parallel investigations into the flood infrastructure deals mess, following separate efforts by the Commission on Audit, the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
The president said the ICI serves as an investigative arm and is tasked to submit recommendations to the government on whether cases should be pursued before the Department of Justice or the Ombudsman.
