Magalong: ICI can regularly file cases on flood control anomalies

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) can already file cases against those involved in the anomalous flood control projects in the country, according to special adviser Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

In Sandra Aguinaldo’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” Magalong explained that it is possible to file cases because some information has been revealed.

However, he added that more time is needed to investigate the deep and widespread alleged corruption involving billions for flood control.

“Kung kabuuan, yung corruption sa infrastructure talagang matagal na laban ito, pero regularly, periodically meron kaming maipa-file na kaso,” Magalong said.

(Overall, corruption is a long-term problem, but regularly, periodically, we will file a case.)

Earlier today, Magalong was present during the oath-taking of the ICI members.

The body's chairperson is former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Bernal Reyes Jr., and the members are former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and certified public accountant Rossana Fajardo.

Magalong said he will share the pieces of evidence related to the flood control projects with the ICI.

“May mahirap, may madali kasi marami namang magagandang impormasyon na naibibigay ang pribadong sektor at yung mga local government. Yung mga personalities behind it kailangan talaga yung matinding ebidensya din,” he said.

(Some are difficult while some are easy to acquire because the private sector and local government units are giving information. We need evidence to prove the involvement of certain personalities.)

Magalong added that the ICI will coordinate with law enforcement agencies in the investigation.

“Kailangan talaga ng imbestigador kasi may tradecraft yan, may skills, merong talent. Hindi basta basta kung sino-sino na lang ang puwedeng magtanong-tanong diyan,” he said.

(We need investigators because they have tradecraft, skills, and talent. We cannot choose a random person for the job.) —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News