Top officials of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) jointly inspected the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory on Friday, Oct. 24, to assess its readiness to house individuals who may be indicted in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes and Commissioner Rogelio “Babes” Singson were joined by DPWH Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla and officials from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) during the visual check.

Reyes described the site as a model detention center, noting that although there is no perfect crime, “this is an almost perfect jail facility.”

Meanwhile, Singson, an engineer and former DPWH secretary, said the facility is “decent and adequately equipped” to accommodate potential detainees. He, however, noted that the facility should not be “too comfortable” for the indicted DPWH officials.

With 108 available rooms, he explained that each 10-bed room could hold around 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in total, with each cell featuring four electric fans, comfort rooms, running water, and proper ventilation.

For his part, Remulla assured that the BJMP is fully prepared to accommodate those who will be charged. He said around 200 individuals could be held at the regular detention facility of the Quezon City Jail once formal charges are filed.

“The rules of the jail will apply equally to the rich and the poor,” Remulla said. “We are preparing regular jail cells. If a thief and a shoplifter of lotion are jailed here, those who steal billions, in my opinion, should also be jailed here.”

During the inspection, the officials evaluated the facility’s capacity and conditions in preparation for the possible detention of those implicated in the multi-billion-peso flood control controversy.

The ICI clarified that the inspection forms part of its mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in handling the cases related to the alleged DPWH flood control anomalies.

Singson emphasized that the ICI functions solely as an investigative body, not an enforcement agency. He said that while the public may demand immediate imprisonment for those found guilty, due process must still be observed.

He said he understands that the taxpayers want the guilty parties to rot in jail but insisted the ICC's role is purely investigative as putting the guilty parties behind bars will have to undergo a long process involving the Office of the Ombudsman and other legal remedies.

However, Singson said the commission is studying administrative measures to help speed up the litigation process and properly determine who among those involved should face imprisonment.

He also noted that further evaluation is needed to identify the appropriate personnel level or salary grade of those who may be detained at the facility.

While the courts have the discretion to decide where persons to be indicted will be detained, Remulla pointed out that the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas is the closest and most convenient BJMP facility to the special anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

He clarified that the custodial centers at Camp Crame and Bicutan will no longer be used for individuals linked to the flood control controversy.

Echoing BJMP Director Ruel Rivera, Remulla stressed that the agency remains committed to its responsibility of managing all jails under its jurisdiction.

Referring to previous Senate and congressional hearings, the DILG chief said that many of the names involved in the alleged flood control irregularities have already been publicly identified.

“I think they will be the first ones to be indicted,” he said.