BBM Forms Independent Probe Body for Anomalies

President Marcos yesterday made good his promise to create an independent body to investigate infrastructure projects suspected of being tainted with corruption, with the probe to cover the past 10 years.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

The body, formed through Executive Order No. 94, will have broad powers including moving for the freezing or seizure of assets linked to irregularities.

Although the flood control scandal prompted its creation, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will also look into violations of relevant laws like the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the Administrative Code of 1998 in the implementation of other public works.

Malacañang has not yet released the names of the panel members, but a News5 source said the commission would be composed of retired Supreme Court associate justices Antonio Carpio and Estela Perlas-Bernabe and a forensic accountant from the SyCip Gorres Velayo & Company or SGV.

"There are reports and allegations of irregularities, misuse of funds and possible corruption in government flood control and related projects, which, if true, endanger the safety and security of the Filipino people, threaten the welfare of various communities, and erode public trust in government institutions," the President said in the order.

"It is imperative to constitute an independent body that will investigate and undertake appropriate measures against those involved in irregularities in government infrastructure projects," he added.

The probe body will consist of a chairperson and two members with "proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence." The commission, whether acting on complaint or by itself, shall hear, investigate, receive, gather and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports and information against all government officials and employees and any other person involved in anomalies, irregularities and misuse of funds in the planning, financing and implementation of government flood control and other infrastructure projects in violation of existing laws and regulations, according to EO 94.