PBBM TO CREATE INDEPENDENT BODY TO PROBE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS

AN independent body tasked to investigate flood control anomalies will soon be created pending the issuance of an executive order.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said he will issue an executive order that will formally create an independent commission that will continue the investigation into Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects marred by corruption.

President Marcos said the independent commission will also recommend the legal actions to be taken against individuals and entities involved in corruption not only in flood control but in all DPWH projects.

“We are putting together the EO that will create the independent commission. The independent commission will be the investigative arm so that they will continue to investigate whatever information is received,” President Marcos said in a media interview in Pasay City after leading the awarding ceremony for the beneficiaries of the Turismo Asenso Loan Program.

The President said the independent commission will also make recommendations on how to proceed against liable parties, whether to file cases with the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“They will recommend to the Executive what to do with certain parties who have been found to be part of all of this corruption that’s been going, not only in flood control but all of the workings within DPWH,” the Chief Executive added.

President Marcos said more and more irregularities are being uncovered in the course of the investigation, hence the need for intensified efforts to clean up the DPWH.

“Kasi unfortunately, the more we look, the more we find. Kahit sa 2026 budget, marami pa ring siningit. So, talagang – it really needs to be cleaned out properly,” the President said.

While the structure of the commission is still under discussion, the President said the body must include forensic investigators, lawyers, justices, and prosecutors.

However, President Marcos did not name who will lead the commission, saying that the structure is still being finalized.