Malacañang on Sunday said investigations into alleged multibillion-peso flood control corruption will continue even after the conclusion of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement following criticism from Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Akbayan political party, which condemned the impending closure of the fact-finding body.
Castro said the ICI has already completed its work and forwarded its findings to the proper authorities.
“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.
She stressed that the ICI’s conclusion does not end the investigation.
“The Ombudsman and DOJ (Department of Justice) are still conducting preliminary investigations into the cases submitted or recommended to be filed,” she said.
Castro added both the Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ have the authority to conduct additional investigations motu proprio, or on their own initiative.
The ICI was created as a fact-finding body late last year to look into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, which have drawn scrutiny following claims of corruption involving billions of pesos in government funds.
The ICI earlier said it will remain operational only until March 31 as it begins to “wind down” its functions almost six months after its creation.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they will continue to assist in tracking down individuals involved in anomalous infrastructure projects.
“Nananatiling handa ang PNP sa patuloy na pagtulong sa pagsasampa ng kaso at pagtugis laban sa mga indibidwal na sangkot sa mga maanomalyang proyekto (The PNP remains ready to continue assisting in the filing of cases and prosecution of individuals involved in anomalous projects),” he said in a statement Sunday.
Among the PNP units that helped the ICI are the Engineering Service, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Forensic Group, and Information Technology and Management Service. (With a report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)