Malacañang on Wednesday said it is leaving to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) the decision on whether to conclude its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continues to support the ICI and will back the commission should it decide to pursue further investigation.
At the same time, the President will respect any decision to dissolve the body if it believes it has already fulfilled its mandate.
“Kung kinakailangan nila ng tulong sa executive, ibibigay. Pero kung ano ang magiging destiny ng ICI, kung ano ang magiging susunod na mga galaw nila, iyan ay ipauubaya ng Pangulo sa ICI bilang independent commission,” Castro said.
Castro stressed that the ICI is an independent body, noting that if ICI chairperson retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. declares that the commission has completed its task of probing those who allegedly stole public funds, the President will heed that assessment.
She added that President Marcos does not intend to interfere with the commission’s decisions. Should the ICI see the need to appoint new members to continue its work, Castro said it only needs to inform the President so its mandate can proceed.
Earlier, ICI Special Adviser and former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin said the commission was awaiting guidance from the Office of the President to determine how long it would continue operating.
Castro clarified, however, that it would be better for the ICI to communicate directly with the President, reiterating that Malacañang prefers not to interfere in the commission’s affairs due to its independent nature.