Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for what she described as inaction regarding the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The remarks came after Malacañang said on Tuesday, February 3, that the ICI should simply indicate its needs, which the President would address.
“Sa patuloy na kawalan ng aksyon ng Pangulo na magtalaga ng bagong Commissioners ng ICI, halata naman na ayaw nya nang magpatuloy ito,” de Lima said in a social media post on Wednesday, February 4.
She argued that the ICI, as a collegial body, cannot operate effectively with only one member remaining.
“Napakalaking kalokohan kung ipapasa pa nya sa ICI ang desisyon sa magiging kapalaran nito dahil sa palusot na ‘independent body’ ito. Sya ang gumawa ng ICI eh. One-man commission ba ‘yun?” she added.
De Lima also pointed out that the commission already knows its needs, citing former Commissioners Babes Singson and Rossana Fajardo, who said passing the ICAIC/IPC Law would strengthen ICI’s powers and resources.
“Until now, the President has not certified this measure as urgent. It is now gathering dust in Congress,” she said.
The Palace, however, maintained that Marcos has left the investigation of alleged flood control project anomalies to the ICI, while focusing on economic growth.
“Ang pag-iimbestiga po ay iniwan niya po sa kamay ng ICI… Nandiyan din po at nangako ang Ombudsman na sila’y magpapatuloy sa pag-iimbestiga—pati po ang DOJ,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.