DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic. Remulla, together with members of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), inspected the newly completed Quezon City Jail facility in Payatas to assess its readiness for possible detainees linked to the ongoing floodgate scandal probe.
With the DILG Secretary were ICI Chair Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson. The visit aimed to ensure that the facility is ready as the government anticipates possible detentions in connection with the ongoing investigations into alleged infrastructure irregularities.
During a press briefing, Remulla clarified that the completion of the last phase of the facility was coincidental with the search for a suitable detention area. “Nagka-tyambahan lang yan. Nagkataon lang na ngayon lang natapos itong wing na ito. Kung naalala n’yo dati sa Kamuning ito,” he said.
He explained that the new detention area meets the Sandiganbayan’s requirements for proximity and capacity for about 200 to 1,000 individuals accused in the floodgate controversy. “Ang requirements po ng Sandigan ay dapat malapit sa kanilang court house. Judging from the magnitude of this case, which can go from between 200 to 1,000 indictees, ito na ang pinakamalapit at pinakamalaki para magkasya lahat yan,” Remulla said.
The DILG Chief also clarified that the inspections are not meant to intimidate anyone. “The anticipation of death is worse than death itself. Sila ang naga-anticipate niyan, hindi kami. Pinapakita lang namin kung saan sila malalagay, pinapakita namin kung anong sinasabi ng batas,” he said.
He further noted that there is no reason for indicted individuals to seek hospital arrest since the QC Jail has an infirmary that can cater to their needs. “Meron po kaming infirmary dito… kung dialysis kailangan, maglalagay kami ng dialysis machine,” he said. “Kung kailangan din ng heart monitoring equipment, maglalagay kami. Wala na ‘yung excuse para sabihin nilang sa St. Luke’s sila,” he said.
Meanwhile, Singson said the ICI’s role remains investigative, focusing on building well-documented cases for the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, while prosecution and detention remain with other institutions. Justice Reyes commended the facility’s design and reiterated that the ICI will proceed independently, guided by law and evidence.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure transparency and accountability in flood control projects, Remulla reaffirmed that the DILG will work closely with the ICI and other agencies to uphold integrity in infrastructure governance, reflecting the administration’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas built on honesty, efficiency, and public trust.
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