The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) has formally submitted documents from its six-month investigation into questionable flood control projects to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed Monday.
Martinez explained that the DOJ’s next step is a careful review of the materials.
“So right now, ang gagawin po ng DOJ ay pag-aaralan ‘tong mga documents na ‘to. See if it points to any leads we could use in the filing of cases eventually down the line,” he said.
He clarified that the DOJ cannot directly file complaints. After evaluation, the documents may be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and eventual case filing.
“Alternatively, upon assessment of the documents, kung pwede i-diretso din ng DOJ mismo sa Ombudsman ang mga records na ‘to with its own recommendations and findings,” Martinez added.
The ICI, created by the executive branch, is set to conclude operations on March 31 after its half-year inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects.
Earlier, on March 12, the commission also submitted its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman.
ICI chair and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said the commission referred nine cases involving 65 individuals to the anti-graft body for further investigation.