Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang pushed back on claims that the administration has neglected the investigation on alleged flood control anomalies, defending the work of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) and insisting that cases are moving forward.
Palace press officer Claire Castro issued a blunt response to critics: “Hoy, gising!”
[Translation: Hey, wake up!]
She said the ICI has completed its mandate and submitted its findings to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman for further action.
“Wala pong natutulog pagdating po sa pag-iimbestiga sa flood control projects,” Castro said.
[Translation: No one is sleeping when it comes to investigating flood control projects.]
Castro said the ICI was a fact-finding body, a job it accomplished when it endorsed multiple cases for filing or further investigation.
“Marami na po silang naisumite sa DOJ… nasa kamay na po iyan ng DOJ at ng ombudsman,” she said.
[Translation: They have submitted many findings to the DOJ… these are now in the hands of the DOJ and the ombudsman.]
She said the volume of cases may have strained authorities handling the complaints.
“Sa totoo lamang po mukhang overwhelmed po ang ombudsman at ang DOJ sa dami po ng mga kasong pinaparekomendang sampahan,” Castro said.
[Translation: The ombudsman and DOJ may even be overwhelmed by the number of recommended cases.]
The Palace confirmed that the ICI is set to end its existence in line with the sunset provision of Executive Order 94.
Despite criticism that no high-ranking officials have been held accountable so far, Castro said the process is ongoing and evidence-driven.
“Kahit sino pa iyan kung may ebidensiya… hindi puro pa-media,” she said.
[Translation: Whoever is involved, if there is evidence—not just media claims.]
“Stop the drama, we have to start working,” Castro added.
