Manila, Sept. 22 -- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday denounced reports of "widespread destruction and tampering" of official documents within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), calling it a "direct assault" on government transparency and ongoing investigations into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

In a statement, ICI chair, retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr., said all public works records are government property and must be safeguarded.

"Any attempt to destroy, falsify, or conceal them is a grave offense that carries both administrative and criminal liability," Reyes said.

The fact-finding body warned that such acts not only obstruct accountability processes but also erode public tru...