House Infrastructure Committee Co-chair Rep. Terry Ridon is calling for unity between the House and the Senate to end their separate inquiries into alleged corruption in flood control projects and allow the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to take charge.
“Hopefully, magkakaroon po ng joint undertaking po ‘yung Senate and the House to terminate the proceedings on flood control corruption at ipasa na po sa independent commission ito pong bagay,” Ridon told reporters Thursday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the executive order establishing the ICI on the same day. The body is mandated to investigate anomalies in infrastructure programs, including ghost and substandard flood control projects.
Ridon, whose committee has been leading a joint congressional probe, said they support the ICI’s creation and will cooperate fully in the transition. In a statement, he stressed their duty “to ensure that truth and accountability prevail, that public funds are protected, and that those responsible for anomalous projects are brought to justice.”
Yearbook controversy
Ridon also addressed Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s recent attempt to link him with former DPWH Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez by posting old yearbook photos.
“Medyo nakakatawa ho na inuungkat po ni Senator Jinggoy Estrada ‘yung mga yearbook pictures ko nung 12 years old po ako to make a connection to Brice Hernandez. There’s no connection with him,” Ridon clarified, saying they were only grade school batchmates and not friends or classmates.
The National Privacy Commission suggested Ridon file a complaint, citing potential privacy violations in Estrada’s post. Ridon said he hopes the senator takes it down so focus can return to flood control issues.
Witness protection sought
The lawmaker added that his panel will request witness protection from the Department of Justice for Hernandez and another former DPWH engineer, JP Mendoza.
“Pinag-aaralan na rin muna namin ‘yung witness protection for JP Mendoza and Brice Hernandez kasi sila naman talaga ‘yung malakas po ‘yung loob na nagpakita dito po lahat ng dokumento,” Ridon explained.
He said the request would need both committee recommendation and House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s approval before being formally endorsed to the DOJ.
