Manila: Malaca±ang on Sunday affirmed that investigations into the alleged multibillion-peso flood control corruption will persist even after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) concludes its operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to criticisms from Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and the Akbayan political party regarding the ICI's impending closure. Castro confirmed that the ICI has completed its work and submitted its findings to the appropriate authorities. "The fact-finding body, ICI, already turned over its report to the Ombudsman for further investigation. The mandate to pursue those responsible will continue," Castro stated.

She emphasized that the conclusion of the ICI does not mark the end of the investigation. "The Ombudsman and DOJ (Department of Justice) are still conducting preliminary investigations into the cases submitted or recommended to be filed," she added. Castro further explained that both the Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ hold the authority to conduct additional investigations on their own initiative.

The ICI was established as a fact-finding body late last year to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects, which have come under scrutiny due to claims of corruption involving billions of pesos in government funds. The ICI had earlier announced its operational period would end on March 31 as it begins to 'wind down' its functions almost six months after its creation.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured continued support in pursuing individuals involved in the anomalous infrastructure projects. "Nananatiling handa ang PNP sa patuloy na pagtulong sa pagsasampa ng kaso at pagtugis laban sa mga indibidwal na sangkot sa mga maanomalyang proyekto (The PNP remains ready to continue assisting in the filing of cases and prosecution of individuals involved in anomalous projects)," he declared in a statement on Sunday. Among the PNP units that supported the ICI are the Engineering Service, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Forensic Group, and Information Technology and Management Service.