Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday said members of the independent commission set to be created to investigate anomalous flood control projects will undergo strict screening to ensure impartiality and credibility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized in a media briefing that the commission, which will be under the executive, will scrutinize all documents and complaints related to the flood control projects. The commission will have the authority to recommend cases to the proper agencies, including the Ombudsman, especially if government officials are implicated.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed that an executive order is being finalized to establish the body. He described it as the administration's 'investigative arm' to deal with corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The president stated that the commission's recommendations could lead to legal action, whether through the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The composition of the commission is yet to be finalized. However, Marcos indicated it would likely include forensic investigators, prosecutors, lawyers, and retired justices to ensure thoroughness and expertise in reviewing the contracts and complaints.

The initiative to form this commission follows the resignation of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Bonoan stepped down adhering to the principle of command responsibility due to irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects. In a related move, the newly appointed DPWH chief, Vince Dizon, announced he would request the courtesy resignation of all officials in the department as part of a comprehensive effort to address and rectify the issues.