Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima criticized the impending closure of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying Filipinos were “just taken for a ride” by the administration’s handling of the flood control projects corruption scandal.
“Having a lot on its plate, President Marcos Jr. just let ICI shut down instead of acting to certify as urgent our proposed ICAIC law, which would create a more independent, more fully equipped and empowered body to take over ICI,” de Lima said in a social media post on Saturday night, March 14.
The ICI, created by Malacañang last year, is set to end its function by the end of the month.
De Lima and several House members have long criticized the commission for lacking subpoena powers and for its limited scope, advocating instead for the creation of an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).
“Nilatag pa bilang Independent Commission ‘for Infrastructure’, pero hanggang flood control lang pala ang titingnan — iilan pa nga lang ang naimbestigahan. Wala ring silbi ang ginawang livestreaming,” she said of the ICI’s performance.
Despite her frustration, de Lima urged the administration to fulfill its promise of accountability.
“Otherwise, it is becoming clearer by the day that the public is just being taken for a ride, na paasa lang ang administrasyon sa pangako ng seryosong imbestigasyon at paanu-anunsyo pang may mga big fish na makukulong sa biggest corruption scam in our history. Hay naku, to say that we’re disappointed is an understatement.”
She further criticized the lack of progress on the proposed ICAIC law.
“Ginawang priority raw, pero wala namang nangyayari. Hinding-hindi natin ito dapat tantanan. Kasama ito sa sinisigaw ng taumbayan. Pagalawin niyo ang baso,” de Lima added.