Customs sends documents tied to flood control scam to ICI

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has turned over documents to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to aid its investigation into the billion-peso flood control scam, including those linked to the Discaya family.

In a statement on Tuesday, the BoC said the Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno met with former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” L. Singson, Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes, Jr.

Customs said the documents include reports on enforcement actions, copies of search warrants and warrants of seizure and detention (WSD), lists of importation documents, and progress reports connected to the investigations.

“The BoC fully supports the Commission’s efforts to establish the facts in all pending inquiries. This initiative reflects our continuing commitment to transparency and cooperation with oversight bodies,” he said.

He also directed all concerned offices within the BoC to provide full cooperation to the ICI and other investigative bodies to “ensure a fair, comprehensive, and evidence-based review process.”

Mr. Nepomuceno earlier said the 13 cars owned by the Discaya may be auctioned to raise at least P200 million.

Discaya-owned firms were among the 15 contractors, which bagged the bulk of flood control projects since 2022, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue is also conducting a parallel investigation into possible tax fraud, which it said is nearing completion. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante