MALACAÑANG said on Tuesday that the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) would likely face a heavy caseload after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended numerous cases tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
At the same time, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro denied the government has eased up on its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, stressing that accountability efforts are ongoing.
Castro said the volume of cases endorsed by the fact-finding body could be challenging for the prosecutors.
“To be honest, it seems the Ombudsman and the DOJ are overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases being recommended for filing here in relation to the flood control project,” she said.
The ICI was tasked with investigating suspected irregularities in government flood control projects and recommending possible cases to be filed before the DOJ and the Ombudsman.
Castro said the commission has already completed its fact-finding mission and submitted its report and recommendations to the DOJ and the OMB which in turn will now determine whether to press charges or conduct further investigation.
She said the number of cases recommended by the ICI reflected the scope of its investigation.
“This was the work of the ICI—a fact-finding committee. They have already submitted numerous reports to the DOJ, and many more to the Ombudsman,” Castro said.
“That means the ICI did not sleep, rest, or relax. Now, all of their recommendations, whether cases filed or for further investigation, are already in the hands of the DOJ and the Ombudsman,” she added.
Castro also said the commission had ceased operations yesterday in line with the sunset clause under Executive Order No. 94, which created the body.
The Palace official also responded to criticism that the investigation had yet to produce arrests or convictions of high-ranking officials, saying cases must be supported by evidence.
“Many are just putting on drama in the media. What we need here is evidence—evidence that will point to and serve as the basis for prosecuting those involved,” she said.
Castro said the Marcos administration continues to pursue its anti-corruption drive without letup.
