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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Makabayan convinced there's 'US interference' in flood control mess after diplomat's visit to ICI

Makabayan convinced there's 'US interference' in flood control mess after diplomat's visit to ICI

Published Oct 21, 2025 12:33 pm

At A Glance

  • Despite the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) claims to the contrary, a Makabayan leader and former congresswoman is convinced that United States (US) "brazen interfering" in the inquiry on anomalous flood control projects.
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)


Despite the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) claims to the contrary, a Makabayan leader and former congresswoman is convinced that United States (US) "brazen interfering" in the inquiry on anomalous flood control projects.
“This is an internal affair and the US has no role in influencing and directing the outcome of the investigation. Such meddling is reminiscent of US interventions in the past to shape the outcome of Philippine politics to serve American interests," Liza Maza, a former Gabriela Party-list solon, said in a statement Tuesday, Oct. 21.
Maza, president of the Makabayan coalition, was referring to US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael Kelleher's visit to the ICI headquarters in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig last Oct. 17.
"This is a clear violation of our national sovereignty and an affront to the Filipino people who are seeking accountability and justice,” she said.
The flood control project corruption scandal is a touchy subject for Filipinos given its massive scale and the involvement of various government officials, particularly members of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Makabayan took exception to the explanation of the ICI that the US was a “partner with business interests in the Philippines”, which Makabayan said smacked of a mendicant colonial mindset.
Makabayan said the recent meddling of the US aims to moderate the conflict among the traditional corrupt politicians, shield President Marcos from accountability for corruption and avoid the destabilization of the ruling system. She noted that Marcos was a US ally.
It likewise said that China, which enjoyed close relations with the past Duterte administration, should not interfere in the current political instability to advance its interest.
Maza added that the resolution of the issues surrounding corruption should be in the hands of Filipinos and not influenced by any foreign power or contingent on the business interests of an external entity.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said on Monday, Oct. 20 that he saw "no interference" with Kelleher's recent visit. More importantly, Hosaka said that nothing was disclosed to the diplomat.
Makabayan called on the ICI to disclose the details of the meeting and demanded that the US stop meddling directly or indirectly.
“We are a sovereign nation and we must assert our right to self-determination free from foreign intervention especially from the US which has a long history of neo-colonial control of the Philippines. The fight against corruption must not be co-opted by the US and other powers that supported and enabled it.” Maza concluded.
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