Malacañang said Thursday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not considering appointing a separate lead investigator to look into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, despite a recommendation from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President has already established a system to investigate such projects through the Regional Project Monitoring Committees.
‘‘The President has already provided the mechanism and system for how this can be investigated,’’ Castro said. ‘‘It is not necessary to have a lead investigator because there is already a process in place.’’
Magalong, in a media interview, earlier suggested that a lead investigator be designated to conduct a probe, citing information he has gathered on the matter. He also claimed to have identified 67 members of Congress allegedly connected to the controversy.
Castro said it would be better for Magalong to present his findings directly to the president.
She stressed that if the information is complete, it can be submitted immediately so that cases may be filed if there is sufficient evidence.
‘‘The President won’t immediately fire them if there’s no evidence,’’ Castro said when asked why officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) appeared to have been spared from accountability over the poor implementation of flood control projects.
‘‘A so-called witch-hunt is difficult. It’s difficult for the President to fire DPWH officials just because all, or almost all, of the flood control projects are sloppy,’’ she added.
Castro nevertheless assured the public that all officials found negligent or involved in anomalous flood control projects will face consequences after a fair and thorough investigation.
She also urged the public to report irregularities through the newly launched ‘‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’’ website.
‘‘Let’s find out what their responsibilities are, what their negligence was, and if the President sees it, he won’t hesitate to fire them immediately,’’ Castro said.
When asked whether Mr. Marcos has given a timeline for the investigation, Castro said there was none.
Castro added that in Magalong’s interviews, he also discussed issues related to “rock netting’’ and ‘‘cat’s eyes,’’ elements of certain public works projects, and that these should likewise be supported with detailed documentation before any legal action is pursued.
Magalong, in his interviews, proposed that the President appoint a dedicated lead investigator to oversee the flood control probe.
He cited an apparent wealth of knowledge on the matter, including the identification of 67 members of Congress allegedly involved in questionable flood control-related activity. In addition, he raised concerns about specific project elements like ‘‘rock netting’’ and ‘‘cat’s eyes,’’ pointing to these as aspects warranting further scrutiny.
Magalong’s recommendation implies that a more centralized investigative approach led by a designated individual might strengthen accountability, ensure consistency, and bring greater public confidence to the inquiry process.
Castro said the president’s directive to the Regional Project Monitoring Committees remains the primary means to review and assess the projects in question.
