MALACAÑAN, Manila — Give evidence of corruption to the President, not lead the probe was the advice given to Baguio City mayor Benjamin 'Benjie' Magalong by Palace officials following the former Cordillera Regional Police chief's suggestion that he could the investigation of alleged irregularities in several flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a statement, Palace press officer Clarissa 'Claire' Castro-Seechung likewise clarified that there was no need to appoint a lead investigator as the President has set up a reporting mechanism for the probe on all questionable flood control projects.

“Our president has already provided the mechanism and system for how this will be investigated. He has also given a directive to the regional project monitoring committees,” Castro pointed out.

‌“And whatever assistance Mayor Magalong can offer, it will be better for him to present it directly to the president,” she added.

The Palace official's pronouncement came after Magalong volunteered to lead the investigation into dubious infrastructure projects that leave several parts of the country submerged in floodwaters during the typhoon season.

Earlier, the retired police general turned politician alleged that at least 67 lawmakers in both Houses of Congress were involved in tapping contractors as “fronts” to corner infrastructure projects from the government, particularly 20 percent of the multi-billion pesos flood control projects of the DPWH.

But Castro insisted that the Baguio City local chief executive could submit to the President himself his report regarding the issue, including the names of congressman or senators who may be involved in irregularities in government infrastructure projects.

“We have also seen and watched his interviews, he mentioned ‘rock netting’ and ‘cat’s eyes,’ it would have been better, if . . . he could provide detailed information,” she cited.

In his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), President Marcos Jr. had mentioned corruption in infrastructure projects that has caused widespread flooding across the country during the height of heavy rainfall brought by several typhoons last month.

Asked why officials from the DPWH under secretary Manuel Bonoan have seemingly been spared from accountability over the poor implementation of flood control projects, Castro explained that “the president will not immediately fire anyone if there is no evidence.”

“A so-called witch hunt is difficult. It’s difficult for the president to fire DPWH officials just because all or almost all of the flood control projects are sloppy,” she noted.

“Let’s find out what their responsibilities are, what their negligence was, and if the president sees it, he won’t hesitate to fire them immediately,” she further stated.

In ending, Castro urged the public to report any irregularity they perceive in their localities directly through the 'Sumbong sa Pangulo' website.

“Everyone with knowledge of wrongdoing, including Magalong, (may) come forward and shed light on alleged irregularities in the flood control projects. All the documents, facts and data gathered will be immediately submitted to the president, including the revelation of Mayor Magalong. The names of the 67 congressmen should be disclosed so that charges will be filed, if necessary,” the President's spokesperson concluded.