President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered "lifestyle checks" on all government officials amid the probe into alleged anomalies in flood-control projects, Malacañang said on Wednesday.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro confirmed that the directive was part of the administration’s broader investigation into questionable infrastructure projects.
“Lahat ng may involved patungkol muna sa flood control projects na maanomalya,” Castro said referring to all individuals and agency involved in anomalous flood control projects.
She also emphasized that Marcos continuously review of DPWH records in relation to the alleged anomalous projects.
According to her, the lifestyle checks will initially cover officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but could later expand depending on the findings.
The Office of the Ombudsman and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are among the agencies expected to spearhead the review, while other government offices may also initiate their own investigations.
Castro said the President had already inspected 11 projects flagged by complaints, including those in Marikina City, Iloilo, and Benguet.
She added that the Commission on Audit (COA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), local government units (LGUs), and other agencies were likewise urged to examine possible irregularities involving luxury properties, unpaid taxes, and business permits of contractors handling multimillion-peso projects.
“Hindi po natin makakaila na mayroong mga DPWH officials na sinasabing involved at malamang ay magsimula sila doon,” she said, noting that implicated officials will face accountability.
When asked whether politicians could also be named in the probe, Castro said the President was moving in that direction.
“Yes, definitely. Sinabi na rin ng Pangulo na hindi nito titigilan at tatapusin niya ito bago siya matapos sa termino,” she emphasized.
The President has vowed to pursue charges against those found guilty of corruption.
“Magdedemanda po talaga, sasampahan ng kaso ang dapat masampahan ng kaso. Walang sisinuhin, walang malapit sa puso, walang kaalyado, kung sino man ang involved dito, sasampahan ng kaso,” Castro said.
