Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila De Lima raised concerns over Ombudsman Boying Remulla’s remark that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) may have only “one to two months left,” questioning whether the move signals an attempt to pre-empt the proposal to expand and transform the body into a more powerful ICAIC.
“Anong nangyayari? Are they trying to pre-empt a more independent, more transparent, and more powerful ICAIC (Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption)?” de Lima said, warning that the timeline suggested for the ICI was unrealistic.
She stressed that the commission could not possibly resolve ‘all infrastructure corruption cases, not just flood-control projects’ within such a short period: “Imposible!”
Citing Section 10 of Executive Order 94, De Lima underscored that the ICI becomes functus officio only after completing its mandate or if formally dissolved by the President.
“Accomplished na ba ang ICI in a month or two? Malamang, hindi pa! Ang layo pa nila!” she said.
“O ‘yan ba ang gusto ng Pangulo, na buwagin na agad-agad ang ICI? Sinimulan pero patitigilin nang hindi pa tapos ang trabaho? Bakit?”
She insisted that the commission must continue receiving evidence even after forwarding recommendations to the Ombudsman and the DOJ.
“Ongoing pa ang imbestigasyon ng ICI, at nagsisimula pa lang itong magrekomenda ng mga kaso sa Ombudsman,” she noted, emphasizing the volume of work still pending.
De Lima also highlighted that EO 94 requires ICI to propose corrective actions and legislative measures to ensure proper implementation of flood control and other infrastructure projects.
She reminded that even Remulla recognized the commission’s contributions, saying, “Malaking tulong sila, and this is despite the very limited powers and limited resources that they now have.”
Urging the continuation of the ICI’s work, De Lima pushed for the passage of the ICAIC bill to strengthen anti-corruption investigations.
“Kaya nga may panukala tayo na ICAIC Law para bigyan ang investigative body ng sapat na kapangyarihan at dagdag na resources,” she said, reiterating her call for President Bongbong Marcos to certify the measure as urgent.