Marcos vows independent probe into flood-control irregularities

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday said his newly created commission investigating irregularities in the multibillion-peso flood-control projects would operate independently and free of political bias, seeking to distinguish it from congressional inquiries that he said risk conflicts of interest.

- Chloe Mari A. Hufana Reporter

The President issued the remarks as he appointed retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes, Jr. as chairman of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI.

“It will be completely independent,” Mr. Marcos told a Palace briefing. “That’s something that cannot be said if, for example, the Senate conducts [an investigation]... People ask why they are investigating themselves, which is always a little bit of a difficult situation.”

The ICI has been formed to probe alleged corruption in public works, zeroing in on defective flood control projects that drew criticism after heavy rains and storms submerged several towns and cities in recent months.

Mr. Marcos vowed the ICI will be independent, adding he will not interfere or direct the body on how their investigations are done.

He said the commission’s members have no ties to government, except for Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong who was appointed as special adviser but opted to retain his local post.

“We have taken great pains to make sure that independence is recognized,” he added.

“There's only one way to do it... they will not be spared,” Mr. Marcos said when asked about his cousin and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s alleged role in the scams.

This comes after Navotas Rep. Tobias M. Tiangco implicated Mr. Romualdez and former House Appropriations Chair Elizaldy S. Co as some of the lawmakers who allegedly received kickbacks from government contractors. They both have denied all allegations.

Mr. Romualdez, in a separate statement, said the chamber will not shield lawmakers implicated in anomalous flood control projects, stressing the issue is "bigger than personalities." He vowed the House would cooperate with Mr. Marcos' independent commission, calling it a chance to "cleanse the system."

ICI CHAIRMAN

Mr. Marcos on Monday announced the appointment of Mr.