President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday that his office is drafting an executive order to establish an independent commission tasked with investigating the anomalous infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the past three years. This independent commission aims to uncover corruption and irregularities that have plagued government projects during his administration.
Although the exact structure and membership of the independent commission are still being finalized, President Marcos emphasized the necessity of assembling a diverse team. “We need forensic investigators… lawyers, justices, prosecutors, who will look at the evidence and look at the information that we have,” he said during an event in Pasay City. The commission will analyze gathered data and recommend actions to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Office of the Ombudsman, depending on who is found liable.
Scope and Role of the Independent Commission
The president clarified that the independent commission will not only probe flood control projects but also other DPWH undertakings. “Unfortunately, the more we look, the more [corruption] we find. So this really needs to be cleaned out properly,” he stated. The commission will provide recommendations to the chief executive regarding the appropriate measures against those implicated in corrupt activities.
Palace press officer Claire Castro added that all findings from government agencies under the executive branch will be forwarded to this independent commission. Its conclusions will guide prosecuting authorities on who should be charged, ensuring accountability for officials and private individuals involved.
Ensuring Independence and Integrity
Castro highlighted that President Marcos is committed to thoroughly vetting commission members to guarantee they are free from corruption and political bias. “They must be untainted by corruption issues, truly be independent and should not engage in politicking,” she noted. This careful selection process aims to uphold the commission’s credibility and effectiveness.
Several prominent figures have been suggested to lead or join the commission. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, known for exposing kickback schemes involving lawmakers and DPWH officials, volunteered to head the third-party audit of flood control projects. Former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson also expressed willingness to lead the investigation after declining the president’s offer to return to the agency. Additionally, General Nicolas Torre III, recently dismissed as Philippine National Police chief, was floated as a potential leader for the independent body.
Calls to Fast-Track the Commission’s Formation
Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima called on President Marcos to expedite the creation of the independent commission. She warned that delays only allow corrupt officials and contractors to hide evidence or evade accountability. “If the establishment of an independent and comprehensive investigation continues to be delayed, it only gives corrupt officials, shameless contractors, and syndicates within the DPWH the chance to cover up evidence or divert the issue to escape accountability,” she said.
De Lima emphasized that an impartial and principled investigative body is urgently needed to address corruption at its root. She recommended a commission composed of legal experts, auditors, and technical specialists supported by agencies such as the National Prosecution Service, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Commission on Audit, and DPWH. Representatives from key industries and civil society should also participate to ensure transparency and thoroughness.
She warned that the anomalies uncovered in flood control projects could represent only a fraction of a broader, systemic corruption problem affecting many government infrastructure efforts. “It is likely that there are still many other projects completed or being built whose main purpose is to generate profit rather than to improve service quality and provide long-term benefits to Filipinos,” De Lima said.
Next Steps and Leadership Changes
Following recommendations from lawmakers and stakeholders, President Marcos confirmed on Sunday his decision to create the independent commission to review flood control anomalies comprehensively. This third-party body will identify irregularities and propose accountability measures to restore public trust in infrastructure spending.
The announcement came shortly after the appointment of Vince Dizon as the new DPWH secretary, replacing Romeo Bonoan, whose resignation the president accepted. Dizon was reassigned from the Department of Transportation to lead the DPWH amid the ongoing efforts to reform the agency and address corruption issues.
For more news and updates on independent commission, visit Filipinokami.com.
