Should lawmakers recuse from flood control probe? Marcos says no one will admit role in anomalies

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said no one was expected to admit wrongdoing in the controversy on ghost and substandard flood control projects, and thus, he didn't expect lawmakers to recuse themselves from the investigation being conducted by both houses of Congress.

In an episode of the BBM Podcast, Marcos was asked if lawmakers being linked to alleged anomalous projects should be recused from the investigations being conducted by the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

''Eh, wala namang aamin na may kaugnayan sila eh, hindi ba? Kahit sino. So, hindi sila mag-i-inhibit. So, kahit sabihin mo.. At saka wala namang power ang executive sa legislature eh. Gagawin nila ‘yung gagawin nila. So, ‘yun – but that's their prerogative,'' Marcos said. 

(No one will admit that they are involved, right? No one. So, they will not inhibit. Also, the executive has no power over the legislative. They will do whatever they want to do. So, that's it. But that's their prerogative.) 

Marcos said that he was okay with Congress investigating anomalies in flood control projects, saying that it is the prerogative of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

He was also asked if it is proper that lawmakers are investigating these faulty projects, even though some of them are being dragged and linked to controversies and corrupt practices.

The President responded that the pieces of information, which can be obtained from the congressional probe, can also be used.

''Alam mo, prerogative ng Kongreso ‘yan eh. Prerogative ng House of Representatives ‘yan na mag-conduct sila ng imbestigasyon at prerogative ng Senado na mag-conduct sila ng imbestigasyon. Ipatuloy natin. At kahit papaano pagka may masusing imbestigasyon, kahit papaano mayroon tayong makukuha din diyan. So, baka makatulong din,'' Marcos said.

(That's the prerogative of Congress. It's the prerogative of the House of Representatives and the Senate to conduct an investigation. Let's continue that. If there's an investigation, we can get something from that. So, maybe these pieces of information will help.)

''So… But allow them, we will do what – we will have the independent commission. We will organize it. We will support it fully. And all the other organs of government will – I’m sure play their part in finding the truth to all of these – all of these anomalies,'' he added. 

Earlier in the day, contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya disclosed the names of several congressmen, their staff, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways who are allegedly involved in corruption in the country’s flood control projects.

Most of the lawmakers have already denied the couple's allegations.

With their testimony, the Discaya couple asked the President and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, for help in ensuring protection and security for their family. –NB, GMA Integrated News