The Philippines leading conglomerates based in Makati, the country’s financial district, welcomed the President’s issuance of Executive Order 94 for the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate alleged multibillion-peso corruption in government flood control and related projects over the last 10 years.
In a statement, the Makati Business Club (MBC) particularly supported the EO’s provision on the granting of ICI with sufficient authority to investigate and pursue the filing of cases to make those involved fully accountable.
The group also strongly urged both the House of Representatives and the Senate to turn over to the ICI all the ongoing investigations, to address perceptions of conflict of interests and prevent intramurals that will further erode the image of both institutions.
While the conglomerates share the outrage and indignation of various sectors on the systemic corruption and plunder of public funds, they also appeal for calm, to prevent unscrupulous entities from taking advantage of the situation. “We must consciously avoid a repeat of the civil unrest and rioting that has happened in Indonesia and Nepal. Let us all give a chance to the Independent Commission to produce results,” MBC said.
The group vowed to support the ICI “in any way we can” to help it address the enormous challenge in front of all of us. “Let us use this opportunity to significantly change the future of our country for the better,” the statement concluded.
