Malacañang assured the public on Tuesday that the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will work collaboratively with other government agencies in investigating alleged irregularities in flood control projects, rather than duplicating or contradicting their efforts.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized during a press briefing that the ICI has been empowered to coordinate with any government body that can aid in its probe.

“Ang ICI po ay binigyan ng kapangyarihan upang makipag-collaborate, upang tawagin ang anumang ahensiya ng gobyerno na maaaring makatulong sa pag-iimbestiga,” Castro said.

Among the agencies expected to play key roles are the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), both of which are conducting parallel inquiries into alleged corruption and bid-rigging in infrastructure projects.

Castro clarified that the DOJ’s initiatives will not conflict with the ICI’s mandate.

“Kasama na rin diyan ang NBI at ang iba pong mga law enforcement agencies. At ang gagawin ng DOJ ay hindi naman po sila gagawa ng maaaring kumontra o mag-overlap sa adhikain at misyon ng ICI,” she added.

The DOJ has formed a special task force to fast-track investigations into questionable flood control contracts. According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the task force will be chaired by Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, with the NBI’s Public Corruption Division leading the probe.

Castro noted that the task force aims to expedite cases already under review, and that the ICI will not hinder the filing of charges should sufficient evidence be found.

“Malamang at maaari nating masabi, ang gagawin pong task force na ito ay para mapabilis ang mga nauna nilang naimbestigahan… at hindi naman ito tututulan ng ICI,” Castro said.

The Palace reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending, especially in projects critical to disaster resilience.