President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will authorize the independent commission investigating flood control issues to issue subpoenas, Malacañang announced Thursday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the subpoena power will enable the fact-finding body to summon individuals linked to anomalous flood control projects.
“Nais po ng Pangulo na magkaroon ng subpoena power ang independent commission na ito,” Castro said in a Palace briefing, emphasizing that the President wants the commission to be “empowered” and “given teeth” to effectively carry out its mandate.
Castro added that an executive order establishing the independent commission is being finalized. However, she noted that some individuals involved in the alleged “ghost” flood control projects may still leave the country since no charges have been filed against them yet.
“Sa ngayon po, since wala naman kasing kaso pang naisasampa, hindi talaga natin mapipigilan ang sinumang lumabas ng bansa dahil may freedom of movement po tayo,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has taken immediate action by seeking an immigration lookout bulletin order against officials and contractors linked to the irregular projects.
Dizon also ordered the perpetual blacklisting of Wawao Builders and SYMS Construction Trading following the discovery of nonexistent flood control projects in Bulacan. He further directed the dismissal of DPWH Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara and the filing of criminal charges against him for his involvement in the anomalies.