Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has expressed support for the creation of an independent commission to investigate the alleged trillion-peso ghost flood control projects.
In an August 28 interview with Bombo Radyo Baguio, Pangilinan stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and proper use of public funds to protect vulnerable communities from flooding.
“We support the creation by law of an independent investigative body that will look into these trillion pesos worth of corrupt flood control projects,” he said, backing Senate Bill No. 1215 filed by Senator Vicente Sotto III, which proposes an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) to probe irregularities in government infrastructure projects.
Pangilinan suggested that the commission be headed by trusted reform advocates such as former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong.
“Dapat habulin itong mga nangungurakot ng mga ghost projects. At suportado natin si Pangulong BBM dito na binubusisi nya ng husto,” according to him.
He also supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for lifestyle checks on government officials linked to the controversy and cited viral posts exposing the lavish lifestyles of relatives of those allegedly involved.
“Tama yan. Suportado natin ‘yan… Para makita sino-sino ba ‘to,” he said, urging the public to be vigilant and report extravagant displays of wealth by public officials. “Isiwalat sa social media ganon din itong sobrang garapalan.”
The senator also renewed calls for the resignation of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, questioning his accountability.
“Trilyong-pisong halaga ng flood control ghost projects: Ang tanong, bakit hindi pa nagre-resign ang secretary?,” Pangilinan asked. “Dahil dalawa lang yan: Nalusutan ka ng trilyong pisong kurakot o kung ‘di ka nalusutan, kasabwat ka, involved ka. So, it’s either incompetence or corruption. Either way, bakit ka pa nariyan?”IMT
