Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is urging the public to cooperate with the government in eradicating corruption, Malaca±ang announced, highlighting the President’s shared frustration over alleged irregularities in flood control projects. ‘Nais din ng Pangulo na ang taumbayan ay makipagtulungan sa gobyerno para matigil na ang pag aabuso na ito (The President also calls on the people to cooperate with the government to put an end to this abuse),’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro released the statement prior to the scheduled September 21 rallies addressing the alleged misuse of funds in flood control initiatives. She noted that President Marcos has initiated a thorough investigation into the anomalies to ensure those responsible for the questionable projects are held accountable. Castro affirmed that while protesters are free to express their views, it is imperative they adhere to the law. ‘Si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay palaging rerespeto sa karapatang pantao (President Marcos Jr. always upholds human rights),’ she emphasized.
Castro further advised the public to remain vigilant, cautioning against individuals who might exploit the legitimate cause to undermine the government for personal gain. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), established by Marcos, conducted its initial hearing regarding the controversial flood control projects, summoning dismissed public works assistant engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, allegedly involved in the scandal. The hearing led to the surrender of Hernandez’s luxury vehicle, a GMC Yukon Denali, worth PHP16 million. Hernandez is also expected to hand over a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secured a freeze order to confiscate the assets of individuals and contractors linked to the anomalous projects. The order, obtained from the Court of Appeals, affects 592 bank accounts, three insurance policies, 73 motor vehicles, and 18 real properties. “The sheer magnitude of assets involved reflects the alarming scope of corruption tied to these flood control projects,” stated AMLC Executive Director Matthew David. This action is part of ongoing efforts to pursue civil and criminal cases against those implicated in laundering illicit proceeds. This development follows a previous AMLC order freezing 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies after a request from the Department of Public Works and Highways.