MANILA — Investigations into alleged multibillion-peso corruption involving government flood control projects will continue even after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) ceases operations at the end of March, Malacañang assured on Monday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the commission had already completed its fact‑finding mandate and submitted its report to authorities that will carry the investigation forward.
“The fact-finding body, ICI, already turned over its report to the Ombudsman for further investigation. The mandate to pursue those responsible will continue,” Castro said.
The Palace issued the clarification after lawmakers and political groups criticized the planned shutdown of the body created to examine alleged irregularities in flood control projects reportedly involving billions of pesos in public funds.
Among those who raised concerns were Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and the political group Akbayan, which questioned whether dissolving the commission could weaken accountability efforts.
Castro stressed, however, that the termination of the ICI’s operations does not signal the end of the probe.
“The Ombudsman and DOJ (Department of Justice) are still conducting preliminary investigations into the cases submitted or recommended to be filed,” she said.
She added that both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice also have the authority to initiate additional investigations if warranted by the evidence.
The ICI was created late last year to review allegations of corruption and irregularities in several government flood control projects after reports surfaced about possible misuse of billions of pesos in public funds.
The commission earlier announced that it would remain operational only until March 31 as it winds down its functions nearly six months after it was formed./PN
