The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is urging whistleblowers to come forward and help expose the masterminds behind anomalous flood control projects.
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, ICI chairman and retired Supreme Court associate justice Andres Reyes Jr. made a direct appeal for witnesses to assist the commission in gathering critical evidence that could link former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials to high-ranking government proponents.
Reyes explained that while several DPWH undersecretaries and district engineers have already admitted involvement, the commission cannot yet establish a clear connection to the “big fishes”—including lawmakers—without more concrete proof.
“We need whistleblowers. We need more, we need to compile more evidence,” he said, noting that for now, the ICI is recommending administrative liability against those implicated.
The appeal came after Reyes was asked why the same names appeared in ICI’s fourth referral case, echoing those flagged in its second and third referrals.
Though he believes “there is definitely a connection” between DPWH officials and higher government figures, Reyes emphasized that the link must be firmly established.
“DPWH could not do anything without any contract or project referral,” he said, but cautioned against assuming guilt based solely on jurisdiction.
“It’s hard to say that just because the case is in this district, the congressman there is involved.”
Reyes, who rarely speaks during ICI press briefings, stressed the sophistication of the alleged scheme.
“These are criminal minds. Mga masterminds to eh. These are planned already na hindi sila mahuhuli. So walang record. Basta, all of it,” he said, underscoring the need for whistleblowers who can “extract more information” and help unravel the full scope of the conspiracy. (Joseph Pedrajas)
