Outgoing Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rogelio Singson called for stronger legal powers for the probe body as it continues to investigate the alleged flood control scam.
A day after announcing that he would step down later this month due to health reasons, Singson stressed that the ICI “cannot solely carry the burden” without institutional support from Congress.
Currently operating under an executive order issued in September, the ICI has no contempt powers and can only recommend cases to the Ombudsman. Bills filed in both chambers of Congress seek to establish a permanent commission with authority to cite uncooperative individuals in contempt and obtain unrestricted access to government records.
Singson said the commission “does not have enough powers to be able to execute as [quickly] as we can what we need to do,” emphasizing the need for a clear legislative mandate before year-end.
Senate President Tito Sotto is pushing for the immediate passage of the measure, while lawmakers earlier urged the President to certify the bill as urgent.
Singson previously served as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the late former President Noynoy Aquino.