MANILA – Malacañang refuted claims that the government has relaxed its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, maintaining that accountability efforts remain active.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continues to push its anti-corruption campaign, which she cited as a reason for sustained public confidence in the President.

“Iyan naman po talaga ang nais ng Pangulo. Ang administrasyon ngayon ay lumalaban sa korapsyon (That is what the President wants to show. This administration is fighting corruption),” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

She rejected allegations that the issue is being set aside.

“Sa mga nagsasabi nang ganyan, hoy, gising! Wala pong natutulog pagdating sa pag-iimbestiga sa flood control projects (To those saying that, hey, wake up! No one is sleeping when it comes to the investigation of flood control projects),” she said.

Castro said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed by the President in September last year, has already submitted its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which are now continuing the investigation.

She explained that the ICI has completed its mandate after turning over its report, citing the “sunset clause” or functus officio provision under Executive Order No. 94 that created the commission.

“Ibig sabihin, a-accomplish na nila ang kanilang trabaho (This means they have accomplished their work),” she said.

According to Castro, the President accepted the commission’s assessment that it had fulfilled its task.

She added that the ICI functioned as a fact-finding body, with its recommendations now subject to evaluation for possible case buildup and prosecution.

“Lahat po ng kanilang na-irekomenda, nasa kamay na po iyan ng DOJ at ng Ombudsman (All their recommendations are now in the hands of the DOJ and the Ombudsman),” Castro said.

Castro also noted that authorities are currently handling a large volume of cases linked to the issue.

“Sa totoo lamang po, mukhang overwhelmed po ang Ombudsman at ang DOJ sa dami … ng mga kasong pinaparekomendang sampahan (In fact, the Ombudsman and DOJ appear overwhelmed by the number of cases recommended for filing),” she added.

She assured the public that any charges will be pursued based on available evidence.

“Kahit sino pa iyan kung mayroong kinalaman, ebidensiya ang magiging basehan (Whoever is involved, if there is evidence, that will be the basis),” she said.

The Palace reiterated that individuals implicated in the anomalies will be held accountable once sufficient proof is established.