Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno said Friday that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has already completed its mandate and that it is now best to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to take charge.
Citing the constitutional role of the Ombudsman as the nation’s primary watchdog, Puno stressed that a single authority should lead the process to avoid confusion from overlapping investigations.
“Ako personal ko ha, tingin ko oo,” Puno remarked during a press conference when asked if the ICI had already fulfilled its role.
He acknowledged that past controversies had cast doubt on the Ombudsman’s credibility, but emphasized that “the situation is different today.”
“Dati kasi Ombudsman natin pinaghinalaan kung anu-ano tapos may controversial na mga decision gaya na huwag buksan ‘yung mga SALN,” he said.
“Yung ating Ombudsman ngayon, sa tingin ko ang credibility mataas,” Puno added, referring to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.
Puno cautioned that multiple investigations into the same issue could muddle the process and erode public confidence.
“Samantalang sa ating Saligang Batas iisa lang namang tinuturong tagapagbantay sa ganiyang klaseng problema at ‘yun ang Ombudsman,” he said.
He noted that the ICI, as a presidential agency, is primarily focused on the Executive branch, while the Ombudsman is constitutionally empowered to handle such matters.
For Puno, clarity and accountability are best achieved by entrusting the probe to one responsible body.
Expressing full confidence in Remulla, Puno said the Ombudsman enjoys public trust and has shown firmness in office.
“Kasi kami, siyempre, buo ang tiwala namin kay Ombudsman Remulla. Nakita natin, matapang ‘yung tao, talagang hindi ‘yung umaatras ’yan. So, tingin ko po, bayaan na natin doon muna,” he said.