MANILA — Malacañang said recent typhoons and heavy rains that triggered widespread flooding may have served as “divine intervention” in exposing anomalies in government flood control projects.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remark during ABS-CBN News’ Laban sa Katiwalian: The September 21 Protests special coverage, as she stressed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resolve to hold accountable those behind alleged large-scale misuse of public funds.

“Sabi nga nila, mukhang divine intervention ito dahil dalawang bagyo nagsabay halos at isang habagat. So, kailangan malaman kung bakit nagkaganito, ano nangyari sa pondo,” Castro said.

She noted that the President, who skipped the United Nations General Assembly to focus on domestic issues, continues to monitor nationwide protests against corruption. Marcos, she added, supports citizens’ right to express grievances as long as demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.

Castro pointed out that the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) stemmed from Marcos’ directive to investigate anomalies in flood control projects, adding that the commission’s independence ensures that even allies and relatives of the administration would not be spared from accountability.

“Mas welcome sa kaniya kung talagang may mga pulitiko na involved dito, managot ang dapat managot – walang sinisino dito, walang sinasanto,” she said.

The Palace official also underscored that reforms have already begun, citing the removal of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, subsequent leadership changes in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council’s freeze order on assets linked to questionable projects.

“Sinong Pangulo ang magpapaimbestiga sa panahon ng kaniyang administrasyon? Si Pangulong Marcos Jr. lang,” Castro said.