The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a ₱41.4 million budget for the operations of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) in 2025, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka announced.
In a press briefing, Hosaka said the commission’s approved initial funding amounts to ₱41,481,000, which he described as vital to improving the agency’s performance.
“It’s a big thing for any agency. It’s very crucial for our efficiency,” Hosaka said, adding that the release of funds was expected soon.
According to him, the budget will be used to create 172 contractual positions, including the establishment of legal and administrative departments, as well as other essential offices.
“Having the approval of the staffing pattern and at the same time the budget… would be the initial phase. Once we get to hire the staff we need, doon na mapapabilis iyan [that’s when we can speed up the probe],” he explained.
The fund will also cover the purchase of equipment, particularly for the planned livestreaming of investigations.
Created through an executive order in September, the ICI is tasked with probing alleged irregularities and misuse of public funds in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and related agencies.
So far, the commission has endorsed three cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, recommending the filing of charges against several lawmakers, DPWH officials, and contractors.