(UPDATE) THE Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman are overwhelmed by the volume of cases referred by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Malacañang said Wednesday, a day after the panel ceased its operations.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after various groups have expressed dissatisfaction with the fact-finding body’s probe, saying it failed to hold accountable the big fish behind the flood control scam.
In a radio interview, Castro said the ICI, which concluded its operations on March 31, has already submitted its findings to the proper authorities, including referrals involving dozens of individuals linked to questionable infrastructure projects.
“The ICI is just a fact-finding committee. They are not the ones who will hold the big fish accountable. They were tasked only to gather information, facts, testimonies that can be submitted directly to the investigating bodies, like the DOJ and also the Ombudsman,” Castro said.
“The filing of cases rests with the Ombudsman and DOJ,” she added.
Castro said the volume of referrals has placed pressure on investigating bodies, which were now conducting preliminary investigations.
“Because of the sheer volume of the referrals, the Ombudsman and DOJ are seemingly overwhelmed,” she said.
Reiterating ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr.’s remarks, the Palace official said the ICI has fulfilled its mandate and issuing an executive order to abolish the body was unnecessary.
She reiterated that no one would be spared in the flood control probe.
“Many are engaging in drama before the media. What we need is evidence that will serve as the basis for the prosecution of those involved,” Castro said. “Stop the drama. We have to start working.”
“The ICI did not sleep, did not rest and did not relax. All of the recommendations, those who were charged and those for further investigation, are now in the hands of the DOJ and Ombudsman,” she added.
During its six-month investigation, the ICI endorsed cases implicating at least 65 individuals, including lawmakers and contractors.