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Protesters try to breach ICI compound, slam 'cover-up' in flood control probe
Protesters took their demand for accountability right at the gate of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) compound in Taguig City, condemning the alleged cover-up in its investigation into flood control projects.
Activist groups and disaster survivors, under the banner of the People's Surge coalition, attempted to breach the compound gate where the ICI conducts its hearings, according to a video posted by GMA Integrated News' Joseph Morong.
Groups demanding accountability in flood control projects anomaly try to breach gate of compound where the ICI is conducting its hearings @gmanews @24OrasGMA pic.twitter.com/j468Qql79M
— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) October 24, 2025
"Hindi lang dapat mga kontraktor at engineer ang dapat panagutin, dapat ring umabot sa mga mambabatas ang imbestigasyon, maging ang mga opisyales ng Malacañang na nag-apruba nitong mga proyekto at badyet," People's Surge spokesperson Mimo Doringo said in a press statement.
(The ICI should not only hold contractors and engineers accountable, but also lawmakers and Palace officials that approved the projects and the budget.)
The ICI earlier said it would not livestream its hearings to avoid "trial by publicity" and political influence.
Malacañang later said the decision on whether or not to livestream the proceedings rests with the ICI, which was created by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Amid calls for transparency from various sectors, the ICI said Wednesday it would broadcast its livestreams starting next week.
Meanwhile, Doringo lamented that no unscrupulous individual has been arrested due to the widespread corruption into anomalous infrastructure projects, weeks after the independent commission started its probe.
"Habang ninanakaw ng mga ganid na opisyal ang bilyun-bilyong kaban ng bayan, milyon-milyong maralita pa rin ang walang bahay, walang trabaho, at patuloy na nilulunod sa kahirapan. Hindi lang pagbabago sa klima ang pumapatay sa atin, kundi korapsyon rin," she said.
(While the greedy officials steal billions from government coffers, millions of poor Filipinos have no homes, no jobs, and are drowning in poverty. Climate change isn't the only thing killing us. Corruption does, too.)
Doringo added: "Patuloy kaming mangangalampag hangga't wala pang nakukulong at naisasauling pera ng bayan."
(We will continue to rally until the corrupt are jailed and the public funds they stole were returned.)
Rights of resource persons
The ICI, for its part, expressed support for the public's call for accountability and justice as it reiterated its commitment to probe the alleged anomalous infrastructure projects.
"While the fact-finding investigation is ongoing, we meticulously assess and verify all information received while respecting the Constitutional rights of all resource persons invited. Before referring cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, we ensure that all findings are substantiated and capable of withstanding scrutiny in the court of law to prevent dismissal," it said in a statement.
"We continuously call on all persons involved in the investigation, both public and private individuals, to testify and/or cooperate fully. Additionally, the ICI publicly announces hearings and discloses the names of individuals scheduled to appear before the Commission," it said.
The commission also said that "despite multiple constraints," it continued to "move quickly while maintaining thoroughness and accuracy in vetting the reports and data submitted to us."
"On the matter of livestreaming hearings for the general public, the ICI is actively studying and drafting the rules of procedure and parameters to allow livestreaming, while respecting the law and the rights of all concerned," it said.
"The ICI remains steadfast in its duty to uncover the truth, and to ensure that all those accountable are brought to justice under the rule of law," it added.
The commission opened its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects last month.
It has filed its initial referral before the Ombudsman, recommending the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Ako Bicol Representatives Zaldy Co and other Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over their alleged links on the P289.5 million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
It also said earlier that it is targeting to file 15 to 20 cases against several individuals involved in the alleged anomalous flood management projects. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
