Makati Business Club Calls for Self-reliant Inquiry of Public Works Corruption
MANILA – The Makati Business Club (MBC) on Friday urged Congress to transfer ongoing investigations into a public works corruption scandal to the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), an independent body created by Malacañang.
The MBC stated its support for the Palace’s decision, asserting that an ICI-led probe would “address perceptions of conflict of interests and prevent intramurals that will further erode the image” of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The call comes amid allegations implicating several legislators in substandard, uncompleted, and allegedly missing public works projects linked to widespread flooding in Metro Manila and other regions.
the scandal has already triggered a shake-up within the department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and a change in Senate leadership, with similar discussions occurring in the House. While charges have been filed against DPWH officials and private contractors, the MBC believes further action is needed to address public outrage and prevent potential unrest.
“We welcome empowering the ICI with sufficient authority to investigate and pursue the filing of cases to make those involved fully accountable,” the MBC said in a statement. The group also appealed for calm, warning against exploitation of the situation by “unscrupulous entities” and referencing instances of civil unrest in Indonesia and Nepal.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the order establishing the ICI on Thursday, tasking it with investigating alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and related projects over the past decade. The three members of the commission have not yet been appointed.
