Palace to critics: Wake up, flood control probe still ongoing
MANILA, Philippines — “Hoy, gising (Hey, wake up)!”
This was the response of Palace press officer Claire Castro to critics claiming the administration’s probe on anomalous flood control projects did not come to fruition.
According to Castro, the government has not forgotten the investigation and is still pursuing individuals involved in the flood control scandal, even though the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is set to cease operations on March 31.
READ: AMLC seeks forfeiture of assets tied to flood control scam
“The ICI has already submitted their report not only to the Ombudsman but also to the DOJ [Department of Justice],” she said at a briefing.
“No one is slacking off when it comes to investigating the flood control projects. This is merely an attempt to discredit the government. The president does not stop in holding those who should be held accountable,” she also said.
The Palace official emphasized that it was ICI head Andres Reyes Jr. himself who confirmed that the work of the superbody as a fact-finding committee is already complete.
“They have already submitted many reports to the DOJ and many to the Ombudsman. This means that the ICI did not sleep, rest, or relax. Now, all of their recommendations, whether filed as cases or marked for further investigation, are already in the hands of the DOJ and the Ombudsman.,” said Castro.
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She further said, “To be honest, it seems that the Ombudsman and the DOJ are overwhelmed by the number of cases being recommended for filing regarding the flood control project.”
No one will be spared from the investigation and will be held accountable, regardless of their position in the government.
“Anyone involved, if there is evidence, will be held accountable — not just media hype. As we say, stop the drama; we have to start working,” she said.
“Many are just creating drama in the media. What we need here is evidence — evidence that will point the way and serve as the basis to prosecute those involved,” Castro added.
Among those dissatisfied with the flood control probe is health advocate Tony Leachon. In a social media post on March 23, he said the government only “wasted time, wasted resources, wasted trust” in the investigation.
“Floods keep rising, but so does corruption. It’s time to demand answers, not excuses,” he also said.
As of December 2025, contractors Sarah Discaya and Ma. Roma Angeline Romando are detained and facing trial in relation to the ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.
Meanwhile, several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways are also detained and awaiting trial, including former Bulacan Assistant 1st District Engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza. /das
