Malacañang has turned down Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s proposal to appoint a lead investigator in the probe of flood control projects.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already established a clear mechanism and system for the investigation. She noted that the President has directed the Regional Project Monitoring Committees to conduct thorough inspections of the projects in question.
The Palace’s statement came in response to Magalong’s recommendation following his disclosure of the alleged involvement of 67 lawmakers in questionable projects, including “rock netting” and “cat’s eyes” installations. These projects have drawn scrutiny for possible irregularities.
Rather than appointing a single lead investigator, Castro urged Magalong to submit all the information and evidence he possesses directly to the President. She stressed that this would expedite the filing of cases against those implicated in the alleged anomalies.
Magalong’s revelations have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for infrastructure. However, the Palace maintained that existing oversight mechanisms are sufficient to address the concerns.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates on government project monitoring and the role of local officials in national investigations. As of press time, Magalong has yet to confirm whether he will formally hand over his evidence to the Palace.
