ICI turns over flood control documents to DOJ

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday turned over documents related to its investigation of anomalous flood control projects to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said.

Martinez said the DOJ will review the documents for possible leads.

“Right now, the DOJ will study these documents to see if they point to any leads we could use in filing cases eventually,” he said in an ambush interview following the turnover.

Also present during the turnover were Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr., Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon, and National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, among others.

Martinez said the DOJ may refer the records to the proper law enforcement agency if it finds sufficient evidence.

“If, after assessing and carefully evaluating the documents, we find there is enough to proceed, we will refer them to the proper law enforcement agency to conduct its own investigation, and then eventually file cases with the appropriate forum or institutions,” he said.

Alternatively, the DOJ may forward its recommendations and findings to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Meanwhile, Matibag said the NBI is ready to review the documents for possible leads.

“What they started is good. We will look into that and continue with whatever we can pick up,” he said.

Last week, the ICI also turned over its documents to the Ombudsman.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained that the ICI’s brief has been “fulfilled,” amid widespread criticism that the body has not accomplished anything to prosecute personalities behind anomalous flood control projects.—MCG, GMA Integrated News