Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Spokesperson Bro. Edwil Zabala expressed frustration Friday over the slow pace of investigations into the flood control projects corruption controversy, urging authorities to ensure accountability and transparency.
In a Net 25 interview, Zabala read the sect’s message: “Hinihintay ng mga Pilipino ang sinasabi ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman na, ‘We will go where the evidence leads us.’”
The line refers to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who chairs the Blue Ribbon panel.
Zabala questioned why no concrete steps have been taken despite witness testimonies, including that of Orly Guteza, who alleged that “luggages filled with cash” from anomalous flood control projects were delivered to politicians.
On February 24, lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 former Marines came forward to corroborate these claims.
He asked, “Ngayong may mga lumalabas na pahayag na mula sa mga sangkot kabilang ang umano’y nagpadala ng male-maletang pera, at kamakailan lang ay pinatunayan ng mga dating sundalo na umaming sila ang naghatid sa mga ito, bakit tila walang malinaw na hakbang upang palawakin pa at tapusin ang imbestigasyon?”
Zabala also raised concerns that the Marine-bagmen’s emergence could be part of a destabilization plot, calling for further investigation given its implications for national security.
Highlighting the financial stakes, he said the joint affidavit of the 18 Marines focuses on the siphoning of public funds.
“Matamang naghihintay pa rin ang sambayanan kasama ng milyung milyon sa buong mundo at maging ng mga international media at iba pa na nagmamasid, at mga kaanib sa Iglesia Ni Cristo ay patuloy na nakabantay,” he added.
He concluded: “Ang aming panawagan ay nananatiling malinaw: Ilantad ang buong katotohanan, panagutin ang dapat managot, at pairalin ang katanungan upang maibalik ang tiwala ng bayan at maitaguyod ang tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan at pagsulong ng Pilipinas.”