Malacañang: Flood Control Probe Won't Stop Just Because ICI Is Closing Shop

Malacañang assured the public on Sunday that the government's investigation into anomalous flood control projects will continue even as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) wraps up operations by March 31. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that the ICI's closure does not mean the end of accountability.

"The mandate to pursue those responsible will continue. The conclusion of ICI does not signal the end of the inquiry on the flood control mess," Castro said. She noted that the ICI has already turned over its comprehensive report to the Ombudsman for further investigation.

According to Castro, both the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice are still conducting preliminary investigations on complaints submitted by the ICI. She added that these agencies also have the power to launch their own investigations motu proprio — meaning they can dig deeper even beyond what the ICI uncovered.

ICI chair Andres Reyes Jr. confirmed last Friday that the commission has fulfilled its mandate, submitting nine referrals covering 65 individuals to the Ombudsman. The ICI also convened technical working group meetings of 20 agencies for asset recovery and turned over two truckloads of documents last week.

President Marcos created the ICI in September 2025 after flagging flood control corruption in his State of the Nation Address. Despite the resignations of two commissioners late last year that left the body in limbo, the ICI managed to complete its work. The ball is now in the Ombudsman's court to file cases and hold the responsible officials accountable.

Source: GMA News