Marcos set to name independent probers, define powers
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA—President Marcos on Tuesday said he would announce within the next two days the composition and powers of the independent commission that will look into anomalous flood control projects, stressing that the three-member body will not include a politician.
“Within 48 hours I will announce the powers that we are granting to the commission and the members,” the President told reporters covering his three day official visit to Cambodian capital. “We already have a very good idea of what powers will be granted to the independent commission.”
The President distanced himself from the findings and claims made so far in the parallel inquiries being conducted by the Senate and House of Representatives,
including allegations of corruption against some lawmakers and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
‘Institutionalized’ rot
Mr. Marcos’ first cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, is among those congressmen named by the couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya on Monday. The House leader denounced the accusation as “false” and “malicious.”
“We cannot come into any conclusions now,’ President Marcos said.
“[The corruption in government] is like mold. It has gone very deep into the system. The system of this corruption has been institutionalized,” he added.
“A thorough and detailed investigation is needed for the independent commission to see. All of these allegations will be examined, and that is the job of the independent commission.”
Subpoena powers
According to the President, the body will have subpoena powers to compel the cooperation of concerned personalities, who face fines or jail time of up to six months if they ignore the summons.
“Give it contempt powers to declare non-appearance. This is an investigative commission, so they are not there to actually mete out punishment. They are there to find the facts,” Mr. Marcos said.
President Marcos is set to sign the executive order (EO) creating the commission upon his return from Cambodia late Tuesday.
Different backgrounds
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the EO will have a sunset provision or an expiration date for its mandate.
Mr. Marcos earlier said it would have three members of different backgrounds, including a former justice, an investigator and a forensic accountant.
“They will have the authority to investigate anything and anyone. Otherwise, people will say that there are sacred cows or personalities being protected because of politics. If that happens, then their investigation will also be meaningless,” he added.
Its findings would be used to make recommendations to the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman.
