Marcos explains slow flood control probe, vows airtight cases vs corrupt officials

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. justified the government’s “slow” pace in investigating the flood control corruption scandal, saying justice must be deliberate, not performative.

In the latest episode of his BBM Podcast released on October 6, Marcos said his administration will not rush to file cases just to appease public anger.

He stressed that convictions, not quick arrests, will determine the credibility of his anti-corruption campaign

“We know many of these people are not innocent. But if you’re going to bring them to court, you must have a very strong case,” Marcos stated.

The president’s latest podcast episode comes amid growing frustration from lawmakers and citizens who demand accountability for irregular flood control projects that failed to protect communities from repeated flooding.

Marcos said that while the demand for justice is valid, the government cannot rely solely on testimonies or political statements made during hearings.

He emphasized that the rule of law requires proof that can withstand judicial scrutiny, not public opinion.

“Look, what would happen if we rushed the investigation? We would have incomplete and unclear evidence. But we still pursued the filing of cases. The result: We lost the cases. Can you imagine that right now?” the President said.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which the President created earlier this year, was formed to investigate questionable infrastructure projects from the past decade.

Its three-member body has already conducted a series of closed-door hearings and summoned government officials and contractors believed to be involved in the anomalies.

Last month, the commission released an interim report urging the Office of the Ombudsman to file graft charges against 18 individuals, including resigned lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, over a P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

The report renewed calls for transparency, with lawmakers and watchdog groups urging the commission to open its proceedings to the public.

Meanwhile, Malacañang maintained that confidentiality is necessary to protect the integrity of the probe and to prevent trial by publicity.

Marcos then added that the goal of the investigation is not to produce overnight results but to ensure that those responsible for corruption face punishment through due process.