President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. moved decisively on Friday, ordering that all information gathered on allegedly corrupt or substandard flood control projects be turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman — a shift that signals the administration’s intent to let an independent body take the lead amid mounting public scrutiny.
In a video message released early morning, the President confirmed that agencies involved in the probe, including the Infrastructure Coordination Initiative (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), have compiled evidence touching on projects linked to former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co. Marcos said withholding any information would only erode public trust, stressing that the Ombudsman must now examine everything “from the ground up.”
He explained that the referral aims to remove politics from the equation and ensure accountability is based solely on facts. The President also promised regular updates to the public on the progress of the investigation, especially as more irregularities involving flood control contracts come to light.
According to Marcos, the documents and testimonies already collected could potentially lead to heavy charges, including plunder, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or indirect bribery — depending on what the evidence ultimately confirms.
Still, he expressed full confidence in the Ombudsman’s independence. “May tiwala tayo na ang Ombudsman ay sumusunod lamang sa ebidensya. Kung saan tayo dadalhin ng imbestigasyon, doon tayo pupunta,” he said, emphasizing that the administration will not interfere with the process.
The President’s swift referral marks a significant turn in the unfolding controversy, raising expectations for a broader crackdown on questionable infrastructure spending and long-standing flood control anomalies that have cost the government billions. As investigators prepare to take the next steps, all eyes are now on the Ombudsman — and where the trail of evidence will lead.