Palace hits back at Sara Duterte over ICI: What is she afraid of?

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang fired back at Vice President Sara Duterte for casting doubt on the flood control probe, asking if she fears what might be uncovered.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said called it unfortunate that some government officials like the vice president would cast doubt on the investigation the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is conducting into possible corruption of public works funding by lawmakers, contractors and officials.

“Ang tanong: may kinatatakutan ba siyang mabunyag sa ginagawang pag-iimbestiga kaya pilit niyang sinisiraan ng integridad ng ICI?” she added. ("The question is: does she has fears that the ongoing investigation might reveal things, that's why she's keen on discrediting the ICI?")

Duterte earlier criticized the formation of the ICI, saying the Office of the President could have handled the investigation internally using confidential funds rather than establishing a new commission.

Castro said Duterte’s remarks only undermined efforts to promote transparency and curb corruption.

“Kaawa-awa ang taong naturingang public servant, puro haka-haka lang ang sinasabi para makapanira sa gobyerno,” she said. (It's a pity for a so-called public servant, when they speak only hearsay just to undermine the government.")

Castro went on to challenge Duterte's ability to present evidence. "Ang mga tahi-tahi nyang kwento ay walang halaga. Hindi na dapat intindihan pa," she added. ("The vice president's stories are stitched-up, so it should be given further attention.")

The Palace official, defending the ICI’s integrity, pointed to its members who are non-politicians and "experts in their respective fields known for their integrity." Officials with nothing to hide, she added, should support transparency.