MALACANANG on Friday called on the public to remain patient after a group of protesters stormed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) office in Taguig City to denounce what they described as a lack of transparency and slow processing of cases.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace has yet to receive details about the incident, but emphasized that the ICI operates independently from the Office of the President.
“The ICI is an independent commission. Whatever actions or policies they are implementing are under their jurisdiction,” Castro said in a press briefing.
She acknowledged public frustrations over the pace of investigations but stressed that the government is already addressing corruption-related complaints through proper procedures.
“People should not be impatient. (Public Works and Highways) Secretary Vince (Dizon) has already filed the necessary cases, and what’s important is that the system continues to function. As long as there are people working and the intent is to hold those accountable, we should allow the process to move forward,” Castro said.
Castro added that the government remains committed to ensuring accountability while respecting due process and institutional independence.
Irate protesters identified as members of People Surge and Kalikasan People’s Network marched toward the gates of the Department of Energy, where the ICI office is located, and attempted to push past barriers and security personnel during Friday’s demonstrations.
The group criticized the ICI for its slow progress in the ongoing probe into the alleged “ghost” flood-control projects and related issues.
