Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Egay Erice on Sunday described the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as a mere “paper tiger,” citing its lack of real authority to investigate corruption in flood control projects.
“‘Paper tiger.’ Hindi naman talaga independent [ang ICI] dahil ang nagpapsuweldo ay ang Executive branch, ang Pangulo, kaya anytime, puwede niyang i-abolish ‘to,” Erice said in a radio interview.
He pointed out several limitations of the commission, including the absence of contempt powers, as well as its inability to conduct financial and forensic audits on contractors’ ledgers.
“Wala ring contempt power. Wala ring financial and forensic audit na kapangyarihan para sa ledgers ng contractors. ‘Yung access to infra records sa DPWH, COA pati ‘yung witness protection at whistleblower mechanism papaano?” the congressman questioned.
Erice further claimed that the creation of the ICI might have been intended merely to appease the public amid widespread anger over alleged corruption involving taxpayers’ money.
“So marami talagang kakulangan ng ICI na ginawa na ito at baka lumabas na ito ginagawa lang to pacify our people,” he added.