Malacañang on Monday confirmed that the ₱41-million allocation for the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) will remain accessible until the end of the year, despite the body’s scheduled closure on March 31.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the commission may still utilize the funds as part of its transition process.
“Kung may kinakailangan silang gastusin o bayaran for the winding up, maaari pa nila itong gamitin,” she said.
The Palace clarified that any unused portion of the budget will revert to the National Treasury’s general fund once the commission completes its operations.
Castro also disclosed that the ICI has already submitted its findings on alleged irregularities in flood control projects to the Office of the Ombudsman, emphasizing that the Palace will defer to the agency regarding disclosure.
“Patungkol doon sa rekomendasyon ng ICI, ito naman ay isinumite na sa Ombudsman. Hahayaan na lang natin ang Ombudsman na mag-reveal nito bilang respeto,” she noted.
She added that it would be more appropriate for the commission itself to directly discuss its recommendations if necessary.
“At kung matatanong din ang ICI, mas maganda sa ICI mismo manggaling kung ano ang kanilang rekomendasyon,” Castro said.
The ICI earlier announced it would formally cease operations by March 31, marking the completion of its mandate to investigate questionable flood control projects.