President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for a wide investigation into alleged irregularities in government projects should serve as a signal for other agencies to conduct their own probes, Malacañang said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said agencies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and local government units (LGUs) are expected to initiate parallel investigations.
“Sa ginagawa pong pag-iimbistiga ng Pangulo dito at ito naman po ay hudyat na rin po para sa ibang mga government agencies like COA, BIR, LGUs, BOC, na magkaroon po ng pag-iimbestiga rito,” Castro said in a press briefing.
Marcos Jr. earlier directed the filing of charges against those behind anomalies in flood control projects, including contractors and Department of Public Works and Highways personnel. Probes may also extend to personnel in other agencies.
Castro cited the need to scrutinize luxury cars and lavish lifestyles of some individuals, which the BOC should check against unpaid taxes. LGUs, meanwhile, were urged to examine contractors’ compliance with business and mayor’s permits, while the BIR should ensure proper tax declarations.
As of August 27, the Office of the President has received 9,020 reports on flood control projects through the government’s website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, Castro said.IMT
