LACSON BACKS INTEGRITY OF NEWLY FORMED INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson expressed confidence in the integrity of the newly established Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s confirmation that retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. will serve as its chairperson.

Lacson said his previous interactions with Reyes gave him assurance that the ICI would conduct a credible and impartial investigation into the alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.

“I had the chance of meeting him while he was still with the Supreme Court. He has integrity,” Lacson said in a statement on Monday, September 15.

He added: “We are hopeful that they can help bring justice to a nation ‘drowning’ in corruption, no thanks to the insatiably greedy government officials, mostly from the legislative and executive branches.”

Lacson explained that the ICI’s funding for this year will come from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), but future allocations will be included in the national budget.

The Senate President Pro Tempore also urged President Marcos Jr. to broaden the scope of the ICI and the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website, cautioning against focusing solely on flood control projects.

“It would be better if other infrastructure projects of the government are also covered, since corruption is most certainly happening there as well,” he stressed.

Apart from Justice Reyes, the ICI will include former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, SGV & Co. executive Rossana Fajardo, and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, who will serve as special adviser.

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