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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI obtains info, evidence from gov't agencies, not out of thin air—Palace

ICI obtains info, evidence from gov't agencies, not out of thin air—Palace

Published Sep 24, 2025 03:34 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a press conference at the Malacañan Palace on Sept. 15, 2025 to announce the chair of the newly-created Independent Commission for Infrastructure. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a press conference at the Malacañan Palace on Sept. 15, 2025 to announce the chair of the newly-created Independent Commission for Infrastructure. (Mark Balmores)
Malacañang has defended the Independent Commission for Infrastructure's (ICI) move to obtain information and evidence from government agencies, stressing that it needs all the help it can get in order to make progress in the flood control mess investigation.
By doing so does not mean the ICI is no longer independent, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said, as it has to accept evidence given to them by other government agencies.
"Ang ICI ay isang independent commission, mag-iimbestiga. At saan ba sila kukuha ng mga impormasyon? Sa lahat ng maaari nilang pagkukuhanan (The ICI is an independent commission that will conduct an investigation. And where will they get their information? From every possible source available) You just cannot get evidence out of thin air," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Aside from getting information from government documents, the ICI will also examine every angle they can in order to complete the evidence, Castro said.
"Kung may maitutulong po ang Senado, ang House of Representatives sa kanilang mga naisiwalat na diyan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang pag-iimbestiga, bakit naman hindi puwedeng itulong ito (If the Senate or the House of Representatives can contribute through what they have already uncovered in their own investigations, then why should that not be of help)?," Castro added.
The Palace's statement came after Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday questioned why the body is “too dependent” on other government agencies with regard to the investigation into the flood control anomalies. 
The Palace official also stressed that the independence of the ICI can be seen if it is "impartial" and "not accepting bribes."
"Ang pagiging independent ng isang investigating body ay makikita kung ito po ay impartial, walang kinikilingan, walang kinakampihan, walang tinatanggap na suhol o napapabalitang tumanggap ng suhol para ipagtanggol ang nasasabing sangkot (The independence of an investigating body can be seen if it is impartial—showing no bias, taking no sides, and not accepting or being reported to have accepted bribes in order to defend those allegedly involved)," Castro pointed out.
She also reiterated that the ICI will not be making laws, nor will it interfere with the work of the Senate or the House of Representatives.

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