Grace Poe: ICI referral for Ombudsman probe shows allegations are false

Former senator Grace Poe expressed belief Wednesday that the recommendation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for the Ombudsman to investigate her supposed links to the flood control controversy only shows that allegations against her are false.

"The ICI's recommendation to refer me for further investigation by the Ombudsman is a clear acknowledgment that former Usec. [Roberto] Bernardo's allegations against me are false and that there is no evidence to support the filing of charges against me," she said in a statement.

Poe said that she will cooperate with the Ombudsman's investigations.

"Rest assured that I will submit to further investigations by the Ombudsman to the end that the truth will actually be uncovered and appropriate charges are eventually brought against those who are truly responsible," she added.

Earlier in the day, the ICI referred Poe, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, former senator Nancy Binay, and Senator Mark Villar to the Office of the Ombudsman for "further investigative review and case build up with the understanding that any additional evidence obtained by this commission will be submitted immediately."

The referral was based on the testimony of former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who accused Poe of receiving 20% commitment from the list of projects under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. It was supposedly collected by a certain Mrs. Patron, a contractor, at the Diamond Hotel.

Poe, the former Senate finance committee chairperson, appeared before the commission in September to shed light on the budget process.

She denied she had any participation in any "small committees" of the bicameral conference committee hearing where alleged insertions in the budget were committed. — VDV, GMA Integrated News