The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) ceased operations after submitting its confidential final report. Malacañang maintained that President Marcos has not forgotten the fight against corruption in flood control projects. The Department of Justice reported recovering over P611 million from anomalous projects.
MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) ceased operations yesterday after submitting its confidential final report.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the ICI submitted its report not only to the Ombudsman but also to the Department of Justice (DOJ). "Hey, wake up! We know that the ICI has submitted its report... No one is sleeping when it comes to investigating flood control projects," she said. Castro reiterated ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr.'s remarks that the body fulfilled its mandate, making an executive order to abolish it unnecessary.
The DOJ reported recovering P611,381,500 in funds and properties from anomalous flood control projects, deposited to the Bureau of Treasury, according to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida. This includes P290 million from former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, P181.379 million from former Bulacan public works engineer Henry Alcantara, P20 million from SYMS Construction Trading owner Sally Santos, and P120.002 million from former Metro Manila public works engineer Gerard Opulencia. Alcantara, Bernardo, and Santos have been admitted to the witness protection program for their restitution efforts.
Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste lamented the confidential final report, claiming the body could not release it publicly due to fears of retaliation from implicated officials. The DOJ has handled 24 related cases, with nine endorsed to the Ombudsman or reaching final resolution.