Sara: ICI created to divert attention, no one held accountable

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday criticized the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying no government officials have been held accountable despite ongoing investigations into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

In an ambush interview in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, Duterte said the commission — which was formed to look into corruption in government infrastructure spending — appears designed to divert public attention.

“Mukhang yung sinasabi ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure ay ginawa lamang para kontrolin yung istorya, kontrolin yung narrative sa corruption scandal,” Duterte said.

The Vice President also lamented that despite mounting evidence and continuous inquiries, those allegedly involved in the flood control issue remain unpunished.

"Alam na natin na mayroong problema sa budget. Alam na natin kung sino yung mga tao na may kagagawan noong anomalya, korapsyon sa ating budget pero hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin nananagot. Puro lang ating investigation," she said.

Duterte added she had already flagged irregularities in government infrastructure allocations as early as 2023 when she was still part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet.

"In fact, ako kasali ako sa mga nagsabi 'no sa ating Pangulo, noon sa Department of Education na mayroong problema 'yung 2025 budget. At ngayon nalalaman natin hindi lang 'yung 2025 budget ang mayroong problema — 2024," she said.

"As early as 2023 ay mayroon nang nakitang mga anomalya doon sa budget,” she added.

Duterte previously questioned the purpose of the ICI, alleging it was created to push a narrative intended to shield the President’s allies while targeting political opponents.