The Office of the Ombudsman said it will remain firm in pursuing accountability in the flood control corruption scandal even as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) loses another key official.
The ICI is now left with only its chairperson, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., after Rossana Fajardo, country manager of SGV & Co., confirmed on Friday, December 26, that she will resign effective December 31. Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson stepped down earlier, with his resignation taking effect on December 15.
For the Ombudsman, the resignations are part of “the natural flow of things.”
“Whether this signals the end or a transition phase of the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman will remain steady in its pursuit of credible and hard evidence, quality cases, and real accountability,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Saturday, December 27.
“It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court – many upon the recommendation of the ICI,” he added.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla earlier said the ICI may have only a month or two left to complete its probe into anomalous flood control projects.
Clavano said the Ombudsman values the commission’s work, noting that it was created during the transition to a new ombudsman to “ensure quick and reliable fact-finding and investigation.”
Remulla was appointed Ombudsman in October. He also pointed out the risks faced by ICI members.
“Though, it has always been a concern for the ICI that they do not have immunity from suit – unlike the Ombudsman who is an impeachable officer. Thus, the exposure is high especially for those who head the commission,” Clavano said.
“In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country’s history,” he added.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. created the ICI in September through Executive Order 94. The commission carries a sunset clause and will dissolve once it completes its mandate or if earlier terminated by the President.