The public does not need to course their reports through the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) if they already possess sufficient documents and evidence of alleged irregularities in government projects.
This was clarified by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro following a surge of submissions to the Sumbong sa Pangulo website involving reports of anomalous projects in various localities.
According to Castro, every Filipino taxpayer has the right to file a case directly with the Office of the Ombudsman if they have adequate proof of corruption or misuse of funds.
“‘Yung mga tao na sinasabing mayroon na nalalaman, may dokumento, huwag na i-submit sa ICI if you have the complete documents you file immediately. Kasi as a taxpayer you have the right to file a case,” Castro said.
She added that the Ombudsman has the authority to conduct investigations once a complaint is filed, noting that this process can significantly aid both the government and the ICI in addressing corruption-related concerns.