ICI completes six-month probe into anomalous flood control projects

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) wrapped up its operations on Tuesday after six months of investigating the anomalies in the country’s flood control projects. 

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras”, the Bureau of Customs did an inventory of the 12 luxury vehicles confiscated from former Congressman Zaldy Co. This was ahead of the turnover of the vehicles from the ICI to the bureau.

A farewell party was also held, attended by former ICI members, such as ex-Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and auditor Rosanna Fajardo.

“The ICI is really redundant,” said Singson 

“The Ombudsman said it’s already redundant,” he added. 

“We’ve done what we have to do and all the documents are already with the Ombudsman and… that’s it,” Singson further said. 

Meanwhile, when asked if the ICI has done its job, Fajardo responded with a thumbs up. 

For his part, ICI chairperson retired Justice Andres Reyes, Jr. said that they are satisfied with what they have accomplished. 

“We’re happy that we have served the country in the little span of time that was given to us. We thank God for that,” he said. 

Reyes also believes that the Office of the Ombudsman will be able to continue what they have started. 

Several boxes of documents related to the anomalous flood control projects were turned over to the Ombudsman by the ICI. 

“Talking to Ombudsman Remulla, he will continue the fight against corruption and will act on our reports and referrals,” said Reyes. 

“We have done our part and the Ombudsman can do this even better than us,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Batangas lawmaker Leandro Leviste feels that the ICI’s investigation was cut short. He also challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to release the final report of the ICI. 

“The ICI is prematurely being cut short today,” said Leviste. 

“Because for all that we can assume, it seems like a harmless report because most of its contents are already in the public domain so I don't know why they can't release the report. I'm here because I was hoping the ICI will release the report,” he added. 

For its part, the Palace said that the ICI worked hard during its investigations. 

“This is how the ICI—a fact-finding committee—works. They have already submitted many [reports] to the DOJ and many to the Ombudsman. So, what that means is the ICI did not sleep, rest, or relax. Now, everything they have recommended, whether already filed as a case or for further investigation, is in the hands of the DOJ and the Ombudsman,” said Press Secretary Claire Castro. 

The Department of Justice said it is already reviewing the documents submitted by the ICI. It added that it’s only the ICI that can release the final report.

“I think that is something we will refer to the ICI to disclose, because that is not our product,” said Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida. 

“We need to sift through the report—the confidential report. The part about the case build-up is something we cannot disclose because it is sensitive information,” he added. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA News