Manila, Philippines – The Makabayan bloc in the lower chamber of Congress sees a lousy investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to hold accountable those behind the corruption in the government’s flood control project.
According to several lawmakers from Makabayan, in the more than a month since the ICI was established, lawmakers have yet seen any progress.
Last week, ICI Special adviser Rodulfo Azurin and Executive Director Brian Hosaka said that the independent commission is conducting an investigation from the bottom-top, but only contractors and district engineers who signed the contract are likely to be held accountable.
Therefore, Kabataan Partylist Representative Renee Co finds it questionable that the ICI did not identify the senators and lawmakers involved, who have already been proven by the upper chamber of Congress being involved in corruption.
ACT Teachers Partylist Antonio Tinio, on the other hand, insisted that there was no lack of evidence, but rather political will, something that was only being presented to protect the masterminds from widespread corruption.
Gabriela Women’s Party is calling for a systematic reform, not just an investigation.
Because according to Rep. Sara Elago, the investigation will have no purpose if the corruption system is not dismantled.
The Malacañang Palace is also criticizing the alleged fishing expedition in the ongoing investigation by the ICI.
The Palace insists that solid evidence is needed in the probe.
Alysan ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia also defended the administration’s efforts to hold those involved in corruption accountable.
He said the investigation is not based on speculation but requires clear reasons and sufficient evidence.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News