Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has urged the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to prioritize investigating flood control projects in Ilocos Norte, the home province of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Speaking at a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City on Friday, September 19, Singson said there was no need to look far, since several of the contractors already under scrutiny by Congress and the Senate were also handling projects in Ilocos Norte.
“Apat ito sa Ilocos Norte, paanong hindi nila alam ito eh probinsya niya ito? Paano tayo maniniwala ngayon kay Presidente [Bongbong Marcos]?” Singson said, naming the companies St. Matthew, St. Gerrard, Alpha and Omega, and St. Timothy Construction — all linked to contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
“As far as flood control is concerned at buong Pilipinas, sinong naka-korner? ‘Yong mga Discaya, silang mga kontraktor nila. Imbestigahan ninyo muna ‘yon, nandoon lahat ng kalokohan,” he added.
Singson warned that waiting for Congress and the Senate to finish their probes would only delay accountability. “Kung aantayin natin ang Senado, tatagal pa ‘yan. Diretsuhin na lang ‘to,” he said.
The Marcos administration formed the ICI to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities in infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control. Just a day earlier, the Senate cited Curlee Discaya in contempt after failing to account for his wife’s absence during hearings on the issue.
Singson, once a close Marcos ally, has recently turned critical, saying in July that he was “done” supporting the Marcoses because the President seemed to have forgotten those who helped him. “After election, may Alzheimer’s na si Bongbong, hindi na ako kilala,” Singson previously said.
The controversy over ghost and overpriced flood control projects has sparked protests across the country, with several rallies set in Metro Manila on Sunday.
