The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) urged the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to extend its investigation into alleged corruption in public works projects all the way to Malacañang Palace.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH, Bayan Secretary-General Raymond “Mong” Palatino stressed that the Palace cannot feign ignorance over the controversies, particularly the flood-control scandal, since it is deeply involved in the national budget process.
“Ang hamon natin sa nagaganap na imbestigasyon na dapat umabot ‘yan hanggang Malacañang,” Palatino said. “Ang Malacañang ang postura niya parang nagugulat sa nangyayaring korapsyon pero sino ba ang pumirma sa national budget, sino ang nagpatupad, sino ang nakakaalm ng mga rollout ng infrastructure projects ng DPWH, sino ang nakakaalam ng budget insertions, Malacañang.”
Palatino insisted that the credibility, reputation, and effectiveness of the ICI would be undermined if its probe excluded Malacañang.
He added that part of the commission’s responsibility should be to determine the Palace’s role in the alleged distribution of pork barrel funds to allies and congressional insertions.
"Ang hamon natin saknaila ay dapat isali from the start ang point of view ng mamamayan, sa best witness na nagbibigay ng testimony sa korapsyon sa infrastructure projects ay ang mamamayan mismo,” he noted.
“Sila ang pwedeng magturo kung nasaan ang korapsyon kung ano ang epekto sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na buhay,” Palatino added.
Palatino further urged the ICI to compel transparency from implicated officials by releasing evidence, disclosing the names of those involved, and requiring them to show delicadeza by inhibiting themselves, signing waivers to open their bank accounts, and making their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) public.
“Ang mga tao kasi naghihintay ng kongretong aksyon, dahil nangangamba tayo na baka maulit lang nangyari noon. Mapangalanan ang iilan, makulong ang iilan pero yung masterminds, yung nakinabang ng malaki ay hindi mapanagot,” he said.
He clarified that the investigation should not be limited to the Marcos administration but should also cover past administrations.
“Dapat walang sinisino sa imbestigasyon na ito, Malacañang at mga previous administration,” he emphasized.
Discaya couple in witness protection
When asked about the Sarah and Curlee Discaya couple, who reportedly sought entry into the government’s witness protection program, Palatino said they should first return the people’s money if they are serious about their testimonies.
"Ibalik muna nila ang mga ninakaw nila," he pointed out.
However, if proven to have played a major role in the anomalies, he added, they should face charges instead of receiving protection.
