MANILA, Philippines —The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday condemned reports that personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had destroyed or tampered with official records linked to anomalous flood control projects.
ICI Chairman retired justice Andres Reyes Jr. said such acts not only obstruct ongoing investigations but also directly undermine the public’s right to transparency and accountability.
“The deliberate concealment or alteration of records undermines the rule of law and weakens the people’s trust in government institutions tasked to safeguard public resources,” Reyes said.
He stressed that all records relating to public works are considered public property, and any attempt to destroy, falsify, or conceal them constitutes a grave offense with both administrative and criminal consequences.
The ICI urged DPWH officials and employees to cooperate fully with investigators and to preserve the integrity of all documents and evidence under their custody.
Reyes affirmed the commission’s commitment to pursue its mandate of exposing irregularities in flood control projects and holding those responsible to account.
