House ends flood control project inquiry, hands probe to ICI

The House of Representatives has suspended its inquiry into anomalous flood control projects and has officially ended its hearings.

Speaker Faustino Dy III has turned over documents and transcripts from the infra-committee's proceedings to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to allow for a full and impartial investigation.

The suspension comes after Speaker Dy declared the House inquiry had lost credibility amid allegations of some members' involvement in the corruption scheme, stating the ICI would be better positioned to handle the investigation due to public distrust.

Infra-committee co-chairperson Terry Ridon highlighted the probe's accomplishments, including resignations from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board and disclosures concerning firms linked to the Discaya couple, as well as a P1-billion cash asset of MG Samidan Construction.

President Marcos has named former Supreme Court spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka as ICI executive director.

Malacañang has vouched for the independence of the three-member ICI after Sen. Rodante Marcoleta claimed the panel is too dependent on state agencies for information.