Metro Manila, Philippines – Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government’s investigation on alleged anomalies in flood control projects goes beyond fugitive former Rep. Zaldy Co, as other individuals may also be involved in what officials described as a broader pattern of corruption.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, June 23, Castro said authorities are looking into allegations surrounding flood control projects dating back several years since the probe is not focused on Co alone.
“Marami pang maaaring involve sa anomalya. Maaari pang maraming korupsiyon na naganap,” Castro said.
[Translation: There may be many others involved in the anomalies. There may have been widespread corruption.]
Castro cited previous allegations raised by former Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. that have yet to be fully investigated and resolved.
“Nandiyan na nga iyong binabanggit ni dating Congressman Andaya na 2018 pa lang ay mayroon nang isyu tungkol sa flood control projects at mayroon na ring isyu tungkol sa ghost projects noong 2020,” she said.
[Translation: Former Congressman Andaya had already pointed out that there were issues involving flood control projects as early as 2018, and there were also allegations of ghost projects in 2020.]
Castro made the statement when asked whether the administration’s push for transparency and accountability has been achieved despite Co remaining at large.
She added that the Marcos administration remains committed to making sure those responsible for irregularities are held accountable.
“Ang managot ay dapat na managot,” she said.
[Translation: Those who should be held accountable must be held accountable.]
She added that the administration has undertaken the most extensive review of flood control projects to date.
“Sa panahon lang po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. nagkaroon ng malalimang pag-iimbestiga patungkol dito,” Castro said.
[Translation: It is only under President Marcos Jr. that a thorough investigation into these issues has been conducted.]
