ICI Slams DPWH for Destroying Flood Control Records; Warns of Near-Certain Cover-Up Without Forensic Systems
News Story:
Taguig City, September 22, 2025 — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has issued a scathing condemnation of what it described as the “widespread destruction and tampering” of official documents by personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in connection with anomalous flood control projects.
In a press release signed by ICI Chairman Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. (Ret.), the Commission said these acts are “not only a blatant obstruction of ongoing investigations but also a direct assault on the public’s right to transparency and accountability.”
The Commission stressed that falsifying or concealing public records is a grave offense carrying both administrative and criminal liability. It called on all DPWH officials and employees to “fully cooperate and preserve the integrity of all documents and evidence under their custody.”
Public Trust and Rule of Law at Risk
The ICI noted that deliberate concealment or alteration of records undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in government institutions. “Such acts weaken the people’s faith in agencies tasked to safeguard public resources,” the statement read.
Cover-Up Almost Certain Without Forensic Tools
But beyond condemnation, the ICI faces a daunting challenge: the absence of an AI-based forensic and data integration infrastructure to aid in reconstructing destroyed or falsified documents. Experts warn that without advanced forensic systems, re-assembling shredded, altered, or digitally wiped records will be nearly impossible.
“This makes a cover-up almost certain,” one investigator familiar with the probe told this publication. “Without digital forensic capacity, the masterminds behind these anomalous projects may very well escape accountability.”
Billions at Stake in Flood Control Projects
The Senate and the Commission on Audit (COA) are currently probing flood control projects worth tens of billions of pesos, many of which were awarded to contractors linked to influential political clans. Allegations of massive kickbacks, ghost projects, and overpriced contracts have sparked public outrage and fueled the nationwide anti-corruption protests on September 21.
Call for Accountability
Despite the setback, ICI vowed to remain steadfast in its mandate. “We will continue to uncover the truth behind anomalous flood control projects and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Chairman Reyes declared.
Still, with the trail of evidence already compromised, watchdog groups fear that unless the government invests in modern forensic capabilities, the truth may remain buried alongside the destroyed documents.
