Magalong willing to be part of independent commission on flood control probe

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Wednesday that he is open to be part of the independent commission which will investigate anomalies concerning flood control projects.

''Yes. I am very much willing,'' Magalong told GMA News Online in a text message when asked if he is willing to be part of the body if offered. 

Magalong, however, said there is no advice yet from the Office of the President regarding the matter. 

The retired police official had disclosed that there were lawmakers receiving payoffs from infrastructure projects, including flood control programs. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro earlier said Magalong already submitted documents on the alleged corruption in flood control projects to the Office of the President.

On Tuesday, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. refused to talk about the composition of the independent commission, saying that its structure is still being finalized. 

Marcos, who has yet to issue an executive order on the creation of the independent commission, said that the structure would be disclosed ''very very soon.''

Marcos earlier said the body would need forensic investigators, lawyers, justices, and prosecutors who will look at the pieces of evidence on these anomalous and ghost flood control projects. 

The Presidential Communications Office earlier said the body would conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures to ensure public trust in infrastructure spending. 

Marcos tasked Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon to conduct a "full organizational sweep" of the agency and ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure projects in the country. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News