Malacañang announced on Monday that the ongoing successful crackdown on anomalous flood control projects, which has led to arrests, filed cases, and the recovery of public funds, stems directly from the decisive action and personal directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Office Claire Castro underscored the President’s unwavering commitment to accountability, emphasizing that the entire investigation was initiated at his behest to uncover irregularities and prosecute those responsible for misusing public funds.
“Let us remember, the President started this. Our minds would not have been opened, our eyes would not have been opened, our ears would not have been opened if President Marcos Jr. himself had not initiated this investigation,” Undersecretary Castro stated during a press briefing. “The President wants those who should be held accountable to face the music.”
Following President Marcos’ directive to pursue irregularities, the Office of the Ombudsman has filed charges and jailed several individuals allegedly involved in “ghost” and anomalous flood control projects.
These cases were initiated just months after the President’s Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) — which the President tasked to investigate infrastructure projects over the past 10 years and gather evidence — recommended the charges.
Undersecretary Castro highlighted that the investigations have already resulted in the charging and arrest of several high-profile and influential individuals.
“He was the one who ordered the investigation, and until now, many actions have been taken to hold those who should be accountable. Many have been arrested, many have been charged, and much funding has been recovered,” Castro added, demonstrating the tangible results of the President’s resolve to pursue accountability and transparency in government spending.
