00:00To ensure a truly transparent, impartial probe on the flood control project mess,
00:04an independent council or commission is imperative,
00:07and the President is completely on board with such proposition
00:10and wants this special investigative body with subpoena power.
00:14Our William Pio tells us more.
00:18President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to empower an independent commission task
00:23to lead a wide-ranging probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
00:29Ang nais po ng Pangulo sa nasabing independent commission ay mabigyan po ng lakas,
00:34mabigyan ng ngipin para po mas mapatupad kung ano ang mandato ng independent commission na ito.
00:40At nais po ng Pangulo na magkaroon po ng subpoena power, ang independent commission.
00:46This means the body will have the authority to summon individuals
00:50and compel institutions to present documents.
00:53Malacanang says the executive order formally establishing the commission
00:57is now being finalized.
01:00The palace also assured stricter rules on the release of funds
01:04for future flood control projects.
01:07These will undergo technical, environmental, social and economic reviews
01:11to ensure safety, effectiveness and that the benefits go to the people, not just a few.
01:17The palace urged the public to remain calm
01:21after a protest outside a company owned by the Disgaia family
01:25which faces allegations of involvement in questionable flood control projects was held.
01:30Hindi po na naisin ng Pangulo na ganito ang mangyari.
01:33Sabi nga po ng Pangulo, sinusunod po natin ang due process.
01:37The palace also denied claims of a political maneuver
01:40allegedly aimed at placing Justice Secretary Boying Remulia
01:44in the Ombudsman's office to pave the way
01:47to the imprisonment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
01:50There's nothing to worry about in their statements.
01:54They are just creations of fertile and wild imagination.
02:00Meanwhile, President Marcos Jr. conferred the order of
02:03Sikatuna Grand Cross Datu Gold Distinction
02:06on Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo
02:09and Ambassador-designate Bernadette Ferris Fernandez.
02:14Lagdameo was honored for nearly two decades of service
02:17including his role as the country's permanent representative to the United Nations.
02:22Fernandez was recognized for her contributions to the Department of Foreign Affairs
02:26especially in assisting Filipinos in Italy
02:29and repatriating more than 300 nationals during the pandemic.
02:34William Theo for the National TV Network
02:36for a new and better Philippines.
