ICI condemns tampering of official documents linked to anomalous flood control projects
The Independent Commission on Infrastructure denounced reports of widespread destruction and tampering of official documents by officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways linked to anomalous flood control projects.
In its statement on Sept. 22, ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. called the act a "blatant obstruction" of the ongoing investigation and a "direct assault on the public’s right to transparency and accountability."
"The deliberate concealment or alteration of records undermines the rule of law and weakens the people’s trust in government institutions tasked to safeguard public resources," Reyes said.
The ICI chairperson further stated that all records relating to public works are public property and attempts to destroy, falsify, or conceal them are a grave offense with administrative and criminal liability.
Reyes also urged all DPWH officials and personnel to fully cooperate and ensure the protection and integrity of all documents and evidence under their custody.
"The ICI remains steadfast in its mandate to uncover the truth behind anomalous flood control projects and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," he concluded.
Baguio district engineer suspended
In a statement, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered officials and employees to cooperate with the ICI by providing, "without delay," all pertinent and relevant documents, information, and testimonies.
Dizon has formally charged and suspended district engineer Rene Zarate over suspected tampering and destruction of documents in the DPWH Baguio City District Engineering Office.
He said he received a report from Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong about the incident.
Marcos announced the creation of the ICI on Sept. 11. Other than Reyes, the body is composed of former DPWH secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo. Magalong will act as its special adviser.
The fact-finding body is tasked to recommend the filing of appropriate charges and recommend to the appropriate government bodies the enforcement of remedies, corrective actions, or legislative measures.
It will get assistance from the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Prosecution Service, the DPWH, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and offices in the national government's executive branch "to accomplish its mandates."
It also has the power to conduct hearings, take testimony, and receive, gather, review, and evaluate evidence, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, recommend to the DOJ the admission of a person as a state witness, and obtain information and documents from the Senate and the House of Representatives.
