Anti-corruption checks to start with DPWH amid flood deals probe
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered lifestyle checks on government officials as part of a widening probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the lifestyle checks will begin with Department of Public Works and Highways officials suspected of involvement in questionable projects.
“It is undeniable that there are DPWH officials said to be involved, and most likely it will start with them,” Castro told reporters during a Palace briefing.
She said the lifestyle checks could be initiated by agencies such as the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, or the DPWH itself.
The President’s directive came after he personally inspected 11 flood-control projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet following complaints filed through the government’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” platform.
As of Wednesday, Castro said the platform has received 9,020 reports related to flood-control projects.
Castro said the President has vowed to pursue accountability regardless of political ties.
“Cases will really be filed against those who must be charged. No exceptions. No allies, no one close to him (will be spared). Anyone involved will face cases,” she said.
When asked whether lawmakers could also be implicated, Castro said the probe will not spare anyone.
“Definitely. The President said he will not stop until this is finished before his term ends,” she said.
“We urge citizens to participate and report anomalous flood control projects directly to the President,” Castro added.
The Palace official likewise brushed off criticism from Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who called the lifestyle check directive a mere “PR stunt.”
In an interview in The Netherlands, Duterte said the probe was intended to improve the administration’s image.
“If he says it is a PR stunt, then let him just watch,” Castro said.
As this developed, Senate President Francis Escudero expressed full support for the President’s directive, citing clear constitutional and legal bases for the move.
Escudero said Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution mandates public officials to remain accountable to the people, serve with integrity, and lead modest lives.
He also referred to Section 8 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which allows dismissal of public officials for unexplained wealth, and Section 4(h) of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which prohibits extravagant displays of wealth.
“These provisions affirm that public office is a public trust. Public servants must at all times be accountable and modest in their way of life,” Escudero said in a Viber message to reporters.
He also urged the administration to also consider legislative proposals he has filed to reinforce the fight against corruption.
These include Senate Bill No. 232, which would require government officials and employees to execute a waiver allowing the examination of their bank deposits and investments, thereby relaxing the Bank Secrecy Law; and Senate Bill No. 783, which seeks to disqualify relatives of public officials within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity from entering into government contracts.
At the House of Representatives, the Makabayan Bloc said Palace should take lead in the lifestyle check on government officials if it was serious in implementing the policy.
“We view President Marcos’ order for lifestyle checks on government officials amid the flood control corruption scandal as a desperate attempt to deflect attention from his own administration’s systemic corruption and lack of transparency,” the bloc’s members, Reps. Renee Co of Kabataan party-list and Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers party-list, said in a joint statement.
“While we support genuine anti-corruption efforts, we demand that President Marcos lead by example and subject himself to the same scrutiny he demands from others,” the two lawmakers said.
