Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro denounced Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks questioning the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), calling them baseless and an insult to the experts leading the anti-corruption probe.

“Kaawa-awa ang mga taong parte ng gobyerno pero hindi nakakatulong sa gobyerno at sa bayan (Pitiful are those in government who do not help the government and the nation),” she said.

She said Duterte’s recent claims against the ICI were “purely fabricated” and intended to discredit the commission’s investigation of alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

“Ano ba ang alam ng Bise Presidente sa pagpresenta ng mga tunay na ebidensya at hindi mga peke at gawa-gawa lang? (What does the Vice President know about presenting real evidence and not fake or fabricated ones?),” she added.

According to Castro, Duterte’s “stitched-up stories” hold no weight.

“Ang mga tahi-tahi niyang kwento ay walang halaga. Hindi na dapat intindihin pa (Her made-up stories are worthless and should not be entertained),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer questioned the Vice President’s motives for repeatedly attacking the commission, suggesting that Duterte may be trying to divert attention from the ICI’s ongoing probe.

“May kinatatakutan ba siyang mabunyag sa ginagawang pag-iimbestiga kaya pilit niyang sinisiraan ng integridad ng ICI? (Is she afraid something might be uncovered in the investigation that’s why she keeps discrediting the ICI’s integrity?),” she asked.

Castro assured the public that the ICI is composed of professionals with impeccable credentials.

“Tandaan natin, ang mga miyembro ng ICI ay puro experts at may integridad at wala ng politiko rito (Let us remember, the ICI members are all experts with integrity, and there are no politicians among them),” she said.

In an earlier interview, Vice President Duterte cast doubt on the purpose of the ICI, claiming it was unnecessary and could be used to legitimize a prearranged narrative on corruption.

She accused the administration of using the ICI’s report to dictate the “official story” about ongoing corruption investigations.

President Marcos has created the ICI to conduct an independent inquiry into alleged anomalies in infrastructure and flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies.

The Palace has repeatedly said that the commission operates autonomously, with no politicians involved in its work, to ensure impartiality and accountability.

Castro reiterated that position, saying the President’s anti-corruption campaign is rooted in transparency and evidence.

“Ang Pangulo po ang nagpaumpisa para labanan ang korapsyon. At hindi po niya hahayaan na matolerate o kampihan ang mga gumagawa ng pagnanakaw ng pondo ng bayan (The President himself initiated the fight against corruption and will never tolerate or defend those who steal public funds),” she said.