Speaker Faustino Dy on Monday said he respects the decision of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to file charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and several others in connection with the flood control corruption scandal.
“Nirerespeto natin ang naging hakbang ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at ng Department of Public Works and Highways sa pagdulog sa Office of the Ombudsman,” Dy said in a statement.
(We respect the steps taken by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways in approaching the Office of the Ombudsman)
“Mula pa sa simula, malinaw ang ating paninindigan na igalang ang ICI at bigyan ito ng buong pagkakataong gampanan ang kanyang mandato. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit hindi na itinuloy ng Kamara ang kahalintulad na imbestigasyon upang hayaan ang ICI na makapagtrabaho nang tuluy-tuloy,” Dy added.
(From the beginning, we have been clear in our commitment to respect the ICI and give it a full opportunity to fulfill its mandate. This is why the House has not pursued a similar investigation to allow the ICI to work continuously.)
He echoed the President’s position that any charges to be filed against those involved should be based on solid evidence.
“Ayon mismo kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., anumang posibleng kaso ay dapat nakabatay sa kabuuang ebidensya, at ang Ombudsman ay dapat tumugon sa direksyong itinuturo nito. Sumasang-ayon tayo rito, dahil ang ebidensya ang dapat maging batayan ng pananagutan.
(According to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself, any possible case must be based on total evidence, and the Ombudsman must respond to the direction it points. We agree with this, because evidence must be the basis of accountability.)
“Ibinalita rin ng Pangulo na pito sa may warrant of arrest kaugnay ng anomalya sa flood-control projects ang nasa kustodiya na, dalawa ang nakahandang sumuko, at pito pa—kabilang si G. Zaldy Co—ang nananatiling at large. Suportado natin ang panawagan ng Pangulo na makipagtulungan at sumuko ang lahat ng sangkot. Paalala rin na may pananagutan sa batas ang sinumang nagkukubli o humahadlang sa pag-usad ng mga hakbang na ito,” Dy added.
(The President also announced that seven of those with an arrest warrant related to the anomaly in the flood-control projects are in custody, two are ready to surrender, and seven more—including Mr. Zaldy Co—are still at large. We support the President’s call for cooperation and surrender of all those involved. Also, a reminder that anyone who hides or obstructs the progress of these measures is responsible under the law.)
He stressed: “Nanatili ang ating paninindigan: igalang ang proseso at suportahan ang mga institusyong may tungkulin alamin ang buong katotohanan—upang managot ang dapat managot at makamit ang tunay na hustisya para sa ating mga kababayan.”
(Our stance remains: respect the process and support the institutions whose duty is to find out the whole truth—to hold accountable those who must be held accountable and achieve true justice for our countrymen)
