MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday acknowledged that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman are currently facing challenges due to the high volume of cases forwarded by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). The Palace emphasized that the ICI’s role was strictly limited to fact-finding.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the ICI, which concluded its six-month probe on March 31, was tasked only with gathering evidence, documents, and testimonies regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects. “Ang ICI po ay fact-finding committee lamang. Ang magsasampa ng kaso ay ang Ombudsman at DOJ,” she said, translating that the filing of cases falls under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman and DOJ.
According to Castro, the commission has already submitted findings implicating at least 65 individuals, including lawmakers and contractors. She noted that the sheer number of referrals has placed strain on the investigative agencies, which are now conducting preliminary reviews. Despite criticism over the lack of immediate high-profile prosecutions, Castro emphasized that accountability takes time and urged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to submit formal complaints. The Palace reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that investigations into flood control anomalies continue.
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