Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), not the Office of the Ombudsman, should take the lead in investigating alleged anomalies in flood control projects and related infrastructure.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated in a press briefing that there is no need to abolish the ICI, even though Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla was appointed as the next Ombudsman. While Remulla is familiar with the flood control projects under scrutiny, Castro rejected the idea that the Ombudsman should handle the investigation alone.

Castro explained that the Ombudsman has numerous cases to focus on, not just flood control projects, and therefore, it should not be the sole body handling the probe. She expressed concerns about potential delays if the Ombudsman handles the investigation alone, emphasizing the importance of having an independent commission dedicated to collecting and investigating relevant documents.

Castro further highlighted the ICI's crucial role in complementing the broader mandate of the Ombudsman, ensuring a more efficient and transparent investigation into the flood control project anomalies. She noted that the work of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) would be expedited once the ICI completes its document gathering and preliminary investigations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fully supports transparency in all investigations, including those led by the ICI. Castro mentioned that it remains up to the ICI whether its processes would be made public and transparent, but she emphasized the President's commitment to transparency in all investigative processes.