President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is pushing for the soon-to-be-formed independent commission that will investigate irregularities in flood control projects to be granted subpoena powers, Malacañang confirmed Thursday.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized the president’s intention to give the commission sufficient authority to carry out its mandate effectively.
“Ang nais po ng Pangulo sa nasabing independent commission ay mabigyan po ng lakas, mabigyan ng ngipin… nais po ng Pangulo na magkaroon po ng subpoena power ang independent commission,” Castro said.
This means the body would have legal authority to compel witnesses to testify and present documents—ensuring a deeper and more transparent probe into suspected “ghost” and anomalous projects funded by public money.
Castro also confirmed that the executive order (EO) establishing the commission is currently being finalized.
Previously, the Presidential Communications Office announced that the body would be tasked to conduct a thorough review of flood control projects, uncover irregularities, and recommend those accountable.
President Marcos had earlier stated that the commission will include forensic experts, legal professionals, and investigators to examine the evidence surrounding these controversial infrastructure projects.
