Presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday expressed growing frustration over the series of investigations into alleged corruption in government flood control projects, lamenting that despite numerous probes, 'no one has been held accountable or imprisoned.'
In an exclusive interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, the senator questioned the slow pace of justice, pointing out that multiple agencies have conducted inquiries, but no charges have been filed.
"Ang tagal tagal naman sangkatutak na imbestigasyon lahat ng tao nag-iimbestiga, paiba-iba naman," Marcos said.
"May ICI, may Blue Ribbon, may Kongreso, may CIDG, NBI, COA. Eh bakit wala pang nakukulong, ano ba ‘yan? Katagal-tagal na, pambihira," she added.
When asked about the masterminds behind the anomalies, the senator said: "Syempre yung mga kontratista malaki ang kasalanan, public works malaki ang kasalanan, pero ultimately alam naman natin pulitiko at yung mga pumipirma ang may kasalanan."
“Sana mahuli na, maprosecute na, sangkatutak na imbestigasyon, bakit hindi nauuwi sa charges at sa kulong” she added.
Marcos also voiced disbelief that individuals allegedly considered as the “most guilty” or even the “masterminds” behind the corruption could end up being granted protection under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) of the Senate or other investigating bodies.
“Nakabulagta na ‘yung media, lahat ng politiko, andami ng expose, kompleto ng ebidensya. Ano bang katagal-tagal?” she said.
“Nagulat pa ako yung sinasabing most guilty o di kaya mastermind, e siya pang magiging star witness at bibigyan ng witness protection ng Senado o ng iba't ibang mga ahensya. Ano ba nangyayari dito sa bansa to? Talagang bumabaliktad. Ano ba yan?” she exclaimed.
According to Marcos, several people have approached her regarding those allegedly involved in the corruption schemes. Still, she said she continues to advise patience and adherence to the “rule of law.”
She also questioned why the investigation into the flood control project had shifted to the Manila Bay dolomite beach issue.
The senator expressed hope that any eventual arrests will involve not just low-ranking employees but also high-level officials who allegedly orchestrated the anomalies.
“Huwag naman ‘yung mga small time. Bagsak na tayo sa mga assistant DE kung sino-sinong kontratista, mayaman man hindi naman opisyal. Alam naman natin pinag-utusan lamang ang mga iyan. Hindi naman ‘yan makakalusot kung hindi pinag-utusan ng mga bossing,” Marcos emphasized.
She added that the real culprits are those controlling the funds and approving the projects.
“Kitang-kita naman [ang mga mastermind] iyong mga may hawak ng budget, siyempre. Ang mga nagdedesisyon. Mauuwi ‘yan yung talagang mga politiko rin kasi kami naman ang may power of the first. Syempre, sa executives may mga pumipirma niyan,” she said.
Marcos reiterated that while contractors and the DPWH share responsibility, accountability must extend to those in political power who authorized the projects.
“Syempre 'yung mga kontratista malaki ang kasalanan public works malaki ang kasalanan. Pero ultimately alam naman natin politiko at iyong mga pumipirma ang may kasalanan. Sana mahuli na, ma-prosecute na, sangkatutak na imbestigasyon bakit hindi nauuwi sa charges at sa kulong.” Marcos added.
