ICI may last up to two months—Ombudsman
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure may only have a few months left as it reaches the end of its investigation.
"Tingin ko mga isa, dalawang buwan na lang 'yan at maari nang i-turnover sa amin ang kanilang mga trinabaho," Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Friday, Dec. 5 in an interview with GMA's Unang Hirit.
"Makakatulong 'yan sa aming mga gawain dahil ang kanilang pago-ocular at pagtingin sa eibdensya ay makakatulong sa amin ng mahigit."
He added that his office is ready to take on ICI's findings and will even employ younger lawyers to accomplish the job.
"'Yun ang direksyon niyan, kasi hindi naman forever ang ICI at meron namang batas na nag-create ng Office of the Ombudsman na ngayon naman ay very active kami."
Remulla made the pronouncement after Rogelio "Babes" Singson resigned as ICI Commissioner, which he already expected.
"Matagal na niyang sinabi sa'kin 'yan. Hanggang December lang talaga ang kanyang pakay na magtagal sapagka't madami din siyang inaasikasong personal. At tsaka nakakapagod nang trabaho niyan," Remulla said. "Ang maganda lang talaga, naglingkod pa rin siya sa bayan para matulungan tayong maliwanagan sa mga nangyayari sa atin, sa ating bansa."
Remulla also reaffirmed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s promise that someone will be behind bars over alleged flood control corruption before Christmas comes.
"Tingin ko naman, may makakasuhan talaga. Ngayon pinahihinog natin lahat. Ginagaling natin ang karpatan ng mga nasasakdal. Kaya tuloy-tuloy lang yan/ araw-araw nasa opisina tayo at ginagawa natin ang trabaho."
Executive Order 94 was issued by Marcos in September to create the ICI "as a fact-finding body mandated to investigate alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and related projects within the last 10 years," according to a government press release.
On Nov. 21, ICI and the DPWH also recommended to the Ombudsman several charges against former House Speaker and current Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co for their alleged involvement in the flood control mess.
In another update on Dec. 3, ICI has recommended to the Ombudsman plunder, corruption charges against former Sen. Bong Revilla and other officials over alleged flood control corruption, as well as a case buildup against Sen. Chiz Escudero.
Then, a day after, presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos appeared before the ICI, but in an executive session so as not to "jeopardize" the latter's investigation.
