Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Egay Erice on Wednesday questioned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge to fully expose alleged corruption in flood control projects, saying investigations appear to slow down once they involve high-ranking officials, even as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) prepares to wind down this month.
In a television interview, Erice criticized the administration’s anti-corruption body for failing to pursue key figures, despite early expectations that it would unearth major players behind irregularities in government infrastructure initiatives.
“Well, I think parang hindi sincere din ang Presidente,” Erice said. “Parang may limitation. Pag lumalapit na sa mga cabinet members, pagdating doon sa mga big pieces, humihinto ‘yung investigation.”
The ICI, created by executive order in September 2025, is set to conclude its six-month operations on March 31 after submitting its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The commission was established following widespread allegations of corruption, “ghost” projects, and misuse of billions of pesos in flood control and other infrastructure programs, which Marcos highlighted in his fourth State of the Nation Address.
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., the commission’s sole member and chairman, said nine cases involving 65 individuals have been referred to the anti-graft agency.
Despite this, Erice argued the commission fell short of public expectations, particularly in identifying so-called “big fish” allegedly linked to the scandal.
“Maybe he’s (Marcos) so afraid of the truth that many of his colleagues, many of his relatives are part of this flood control mess,” the lawmaker said.
The Palace, however, maintained that the closure of the ICI does not mark the end of accountability efforts.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters:
“The Ombudsman and DOJ (Department of Justice) are still conducting preliminary investigations on the complaints submitted or recommended to be filed. Furthermore, they have the power to conduct more investigations motu propio.”