House says flood probe premature

It is “premature” to launch an investigation into alleged anomalies in the flood-control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) purportedly involving members of Congress.

Rep. Terry Ridon, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, pointed out this would only be possible once the panel is furnished with the list of nearly 70 legislators accused of involvement in the corruption.

“The burden of showing, of disclosure, is on the persons accusing,” Ridon said in a briefing, referring to Senator Panfilo Lacson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

“The particular allegations that 67 congressmen were contractors themselves did not come from us, but from someone else. So, unless and until there are names that are mentioned as to who these people are, it seems it might be a bit premature to conduct proceedings relating to it,” he said.

The lawmaker, however, assured that the committee will act accordingly if allegations of irregularities in the flood-control projects, such as “ghost” programs and the use of substandard materials, arise during their ongoing hearing.

He also pledged that no House member would be spared if found involved in the anomaly.

Earlier this week, the committee conducted a briefing with the DPWH regarding the status of flood-control projects following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive of a meticulous review of the multi-billion-peso program, which has fallen short of addressing the country’s flooding crisis.

Typhoons spur action

The President’s marching orders was prompted by three consecutive typhoons, coupled with the southwest monsoon that submerged Metro Manila and nearby provinces in floodwaters, despite him boasting last year that 5,500 flood control projects had been completed and there were more under construction.

This fueled speculations of massive corruption in the flood control projects, with Lacson claiming that 67 House members in the previous Congress had complete control over the project funds because either they or their relatives were the contractors for the government’s flood mitigation program.

Magalong made a similar accusation, alleging that lawmakers were receiving 30 to 40-percent kickbacks from the flood-control and infrastructure projects.

The House leadership is reportedly planning to form a tri-committee to be headed by the public accounts panel to conduct an independent legislative inquiry into the flood-control projects of the DPWH.

Magalong, in response, said he’s on standby and inclined to appear at the House anytime in case he is summoned.