MANILA, Philippines– The Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) on Friday announced that it expects to recommend charges against as many as 1,200 individuals in connection with an alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal that authorities have investigated for irregularities in the implementation of public works projects.
An ICI commissioner said investigators have reviewed documents, contracts, and project records related to flood control programs that government agencies and contractors implemented under various infrastructure initiatives.
The ICI said its investigation covers projects that officials approved over several years in multiple regions where government planned large-scale flood mitigation works.
The commissioner said investigators are focusing on possible violations of procurement laws, anti-graft statutes, and other regulations governing the use of public funds.
The ICI said its technical teams are conducting field validations to compare reported project accomplishments with actual on-site conditions in flood control locations.
