Philippine House leaders consider third-party probe for flood project irregularities

House leaders in the Philippines agreed on Wednesday that it may be better for a third party to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects due to concerns of potential involvement by House members.

The House Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Rep. Terry Ridon, has started an inquiry into these projects highlighted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address.

House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin emphasized that while the House can contribute through its oversight powers, it will recuse itself if members are implicated and endorse a third-party probe or executive investigation.

David Suarez, the House Senior Deputy Speaker, welcomed a third-party investigation and called for those alleging irregularities to provide specific details about involved congressmen.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong alleged that some lawmakers receive kickbacks from flood control and infrastructure projects, but no names were provided.

The Palace has said a third-party probe might not be needed since mechanisms are already in place to look into the issue.