Grace Poe: ICI recommendation confirms allegations against me are false

Former Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday, Dec. 3 addressed the recommendation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to refer her for further investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, asserting that the move confirms the allegations against her are unfounded.

“The ICI’s recommendation to refer me for further investigation by the Ombudsman is a clear acknowledgement that former Usec Bernardo’s allegations against me are false and that there is no evidence to support the filing of charges against me,” Poe said in a statement.

Poe was implicated during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

Poe said that the outcome was “no surprise” to her or to those who know her, citing her consistent adherence to integrity throughout her public service.

“Rest assured that I will submit to further investigations by the Ombudsman to the end that the truth will actually be uncovered and appropriate charges are eventually brought against those who are truly responsible,” Poe said.

The ICI had recommended investigations and possible charges against several public officials, including Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Mark Villar, Poe, and Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, in connection with alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.

Poe previously served as chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, which approved the controversial 2025 national budget that included allocations for these projects.