2 House solons back MBC exec’s due process call in flood control probe

MANILA, Philippines — Two House of Representatives members have backed Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director Rafael “Apa” Ongpin’s view that while the flood control probe must be thorough and apolitical, due process should still be observed for everyone accused of involvement.

In separate statements on Tuesday, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said that Ongpin’s perspective — that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) investigation should be fair but also follow due process — is a much-needed reminder amid implications that certain officials are already guilty even before a proper trial is conducted.

Ridon said that no one should be exempt from scrutiny when public funds are involved, but all these personalities must be given “the right to be heard and the duty to cooperate with lawful investigations.”

“Mr. Ongpin’s statement is a timely reminder that the rule of law—not rumor—must prevail.  We welcome his call for due process because it ensures that investigations are based on facts, not politics,” Ridon said.

“Let the institutions work independently and let the truth come out through evidence.  That’s how justice is served—and how trust in government is rebuilt,” he added.

Ongpin, in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s At the Forefront, was asked whether he believes the ongoing investigation of anomalous flood control projects will be impartial to the administration’s allies.

Ongpin said that it would not look good if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cousin, former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, were merely thrown under the bus instead of having a no-holds-barred and impartial investigation.

“That question is really, is Bonget (Marcos) gonna throw Martin (Romualdez) under the bus?  Okay, let’s get straight to the point, that would not be a good outcome for us if he throws him under the bus […] It has to be a fair and independent investigation, not at the instigation of Malacañang, you know, they sort of instruct the investigators, oh, tigok na ‘yan (that’s finished),” he said.

“No, it cannot be.  It has to be fair, right?  If he’s really, you know, got some kind of liability, let that be exposed through proper process.  These people, I mean, when I say these people, the accused in this thing all deserve due process,” he added.

Ortega said this stresses their point that justice should not be based on political colors.

“We welcome Mr. Ongpin’s statement as a reminder that justice must never be selective. The process must be based on facts, not political color or pressure,” Ortega said. 

Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker said that Romualdez has already shown willingness to cooperate with the ICI investigation by stepping down from his post, and by showing up at a previous hearing.

READ: Romualdez faces ICI, denies kickback allegations

“We’ve seen the former Speaker face these issues squarely. He has cooperated with investigators and remains committed to the truth. That’s the kind of leadership the public deserves to see,” Ortega added.

Ongpin during the interview spoke about corruption scandals plaguing the country — from the discovery of allegedly fictitious names that signed acknowledgment receipts for confidential funds (CF) under Vice President Sara Duterte’s offices, to the flood control issue. (with reports from Halle Danelle Yuson, trainee) /gsg