President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to immediately turn over all gathered evidence and information concerning alleged flood control irregularities to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The directive ensures the investigation into claims made by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co will continue under the authority of the Ombudsman, moving toward potential prosecution.
In a video message released on Friday, President Marcos stated that referring the information to the Ombudsman is in line with his administration’s commitment to publicly report on the status of the investigation, the cases filed, and the institutional reforms being implemented to prevent the misuse of public funds in infrastructure projects.
“We want to inform our countrymen that the ICI and the DPWH will refer and give all information gathered to the Ombudsman for investigation,” the Chief Executive said. He emphasized that the Ombudsman’s work will be strictly evidence-based, noting that cases for plunder, anti-graft, or indirect bribery may be filed depending on the findings.
The transfer of records marks a significant progression in the administration’s anti-corruption drive, which began with the President’s denouncement of systemic corruption in his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. The initiative was formalized with the launch of the “Sumbong ng Pangulo” website on August 11 and the creation of the ICI on September 11, tasked with investigating corruption in government infrastructure projects over the last decade.
The President reiterated his trust in the Ombudsman’s impartiality, ensuring that the investigation will be thorough and follow the evidence wherever it leads.
