Flood Control Probe Testimony Tampering allegations were raised by former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who claimed that an independent investigation into flood control projects was compromised due to the alleged manipulation of witness statements.

Speaking on Tuesday, Singson accused retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr., chair of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), of tampering with witness statements during the investigation into alleged kickbacks in flood control projects. According to Singson, such actions undermined the credibility of the commission and cast doubt on its findings.

In an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “At The Forefront,” Singson said contractor Sarah Discaya personally told him that her sworn statement was altered after she mentioned Terence Calabria, a former Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, during the ICI probe.

Singson alleged that Discaya’s testimony was changed without her consent, particularly the portion that referenced Calabria. Calabria’s wife is the sister of Tango party-list Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez, who is married to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez—connections that, according to Singson, should have warranted closer scrutiny rather than removal from official records.

“Well, first of all, the ICI is not legitimate because Chairman Reyes was left alone,” Singson said in Filipino during the interview. “When a witness tells the truth, he orders it erased and rewritten.”

Singson further claimed that Discaya, who was questioned in September 2025 regarding alleged kickbacks tied to flood control projects, confirmed that Calabria’s name was deliberately removed from her statement. He said the alteration shifted the narrative of the investigation and diverted accountability away from certain individuals.

“Discaya said that Calatrava’s name was ordered removed,” Singson said.

The former governor also alleged that Discaya was detained for refusing to alter her testimony to align with what investigators wanted on record. According to Singson, the contractor faced pressure to revise her statements and was allegedly held in custody until changes were made.

“That is why the investigation stopped. From that point on, Discaya was detained until her statement was changed. She refused to change it, so she was detained,” he said.

Singson added that Discaya’s testimony was later revised to place blame on other parties, claiming that witnesses were coerced into delivering statements dictated by investigators rather than reflecting the truth.

“These witnesses were pressured to testify according to what the investigators wanted, not what actually happened,” Singson said, warning that such practices severely damage public trust in institutions meant to ensure transparency and accountability.

The allegations have intensified public scrutiny over the flood control probe, which was expected to uncover irregularities in major infrastructure projects. Critics have since called for an independent review of the commission’s actions and the conduct of its officials.

For his part, Calabria has denied allegations linking him to kickbacks in flood control projects. He has maintained that he never met nor transacted with the Discards and has dismissed the accusations as baseless.

Yetthis writing, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has yet to issue an official response to Singson’s claims. Observers say the controversy highlights the need for stronger safeguards to protect witnesses and preserve the integrity of investigative bodies, especially in high-profile corruption cases.

The issue is expected to fuel renewed calls for transparency and accountability, as lawmakers and the public await clarification on whether the allegations will lead to further investigations or possible reforms in handling major government probes.