By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Vince Dizon on Tuesday met with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and new Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) special adviser Rodolfo Azurin and former special adviser Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to further discuss actions to expedite the ongoing probe into anomalous flood control projects.
According to the DPWH chief, the three of them met at a restaurant in Manila to talk about the way forward as far as the flood control mess is concerned.
“We need to hurry up, especially for our countrymen. We are all impatient and angry. We want to hold those who should be held accountable,” he said in an interview.
“So that’s what we’re going to talk about this afternoon. How can we speed up the process, and in the next few days, I’ll also introduce General Jun to the members of ICI,” Dizon added.
The DPWH chief also welcomed the former PNP chief to the fold.
“So, and I think I, I take comfort in the President’s words that he repeatedly says, he is very consistent in saying, ‘Walang sisinuhin dito. Walang sasantuhin..’ So, General Jun and I, in the same way with Sir Benjie and I were given a job to do, we will do it to the best of our ability. I think, I think Sir Jun is also like that,” he said.
For his part, Azurin said he has not met with the President yet, but he assured the latter that he is one with him in the desire to put those who are guilty behind bars.
“I have yet to talk to the President for his marching order. And, of course, the President’s pronouncement that he will not spare anybody. So, we expect that our President’s stand will remain the same. So, whatever evidence we gather, with the help of all Filipinos, actually. With the help of all Filipinos, let’s put that together so that we come up with a stronger case that would lead to the conviction of all perpetrators,” he said.
At the same time, Dizon acknowledged Magalong, who earlier resigned as ICI special adviser, for his continued assistance.
“First of all, let’s thank Mayor Benjie for all the help, even though he is no longer officially part of ICI, the help is still ongoing. So thank you, Mayor Benjie for all your help,” he added.
In a related development, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday submitted to the ICI documents relevant to BOC’s ongoing investigations into alleged anomalous flood-control projects and other related matters, including the case involving the Discaya family.
The documents include reports on enforcement actions, copies of search warrants and warrants of seizure and detention, lists of importation documents, and progress reports connected to the investigations.
“The BOC fully supports the commission’s efforts to establish the facts in all pending inquiries. This initiative reflects our continuing commitment to transparency and cooperation with oversight bodies,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.
He likewise directed all concerned offices within the bureau to provide full cooperation to the ICI and other investigative bodies to ensure a fair, comprehensive, and evidence-based review process.
“Under the guidance of President Marcos Jr., the bureau continues to uphold integrity and good governance through strengthened inter-agency coordination efforts that promote transparency and public trust,” he added.
