Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Representative Leila De Lima on Friday warned that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is on the verge of collapse following the resignation of Commissioner Rossana Fajardo, saying the body can no longer fulfill its anti-corruption mandate.
“If you have a Commission with the formidable task of fighting corruption but with limited powers and resources, and an administration that is reluctant to swiftly provide support through urgent legislation and much needed budget, then it is doomed to fail,” De Lima said.
She stressed that with the earlier exit of former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and now Fajardo, the commission has been rendered practically inutile.
“With the resignation of Sec. Babes Singson, followed by that of Commissioner Rossana Fajardo, ICI might as well close shop. For how can it further function as a one-member Commission?” she asked.
De Lima expressed disappointment that the ICI appears headed for dissolution despite unresolved controversies.
“This brings us back to our question from the beginning: Is the President and his administration really serious about its commitment to hold all those involved—especially the mastermind or masterminds, including powerful politicians—accountable? Dahil sa hindi pag-certify as urgent sa ICAIC Law, talagang nakakapagduda ang sinseridad ng administrasyong ito,” she said, referring to the proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).
“Kaya hindi na tayo nagtaka na ni isang big fish, walang naipakulong bago mag-Pasko,” De Lima added.
“We understand that due process must be observed and that strong evidence is required to file airtight cases. Pero wag na kasing mangangako ng big fish kung low-level perpetrators at mga middle men lang ang maipapakulong. Wag sabihing priority ang isang batas kung okay lang naman pala na makupad ang usad at papetiks-petiks lang.”
She also emphasized public frustration over ghost projects, cautioning against “ghost promises or imaginary commitments.”
“Galit na ang taumbayan sa ghost projects, wag na dapat itong dagdagan ng ghost promises o mga guni-guning pangako,” De Lima said, urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to certify the ICAIC bill as urgent to show seriousness in holding powerful figures accountable.