THE Office of the Ombudsman has created a special investigation panel composed of 13 graft investigators to probe irregularities in the government’s flood control programs.
The panel is empowered to subpoena all related public works contracts, demand cooperation by all government agencies, and even access and examine bank documents “subject to the limitations of the law.”
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said an executive order creating an independent probe body is yet to be crafted, specifying its functions and composition. He said the body will not be limited to flood control, given the many other projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways. He also said the panel will look into evidence and recommend any necessary legal action to the Department of Justice. (With a report from Jocelyn Reyes)
