Through Executive Order No. 94 signed on Thursday, September 11, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. formally established a four-member independent commission tasked to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects over the past years.
The new body, named the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), will consist of four members who will scrutinize corruption, anomalies, and negligence in government flood control initiatives.
According to reports obtained, the members of the commission are:
1. Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong
2. Former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson
3. Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio
4. Former Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe
The President said the creation of ICI affirms his administration’s commitment to integrity in public service.
“The Administration is firmly committed to maintaining honesty and integrity in public service, and will take decisive measures to repress and hold accountable government officials and employees, and any other individual, who engage in graft, corrupt practices, or other acts that undermine the national interest and betray the people’s trust,” Marcos stated in the six-page EO.
To ensure transparency, the ICI will be required to release regular updates on its work.
“The ICI shall provide monthly reports to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary. The ICI shall likewise cause the publication of its accomplishments and such other relevant reports,” the order added.
The commission’s probe will cover the later years of former President Noynoy Aquino’s administration, the entire Duterte presidency, and the first three years of Marcos’ term.
Should findings establish wrongdoing, the ICI will file criminal and administrative cases against implicated government officials and construction firms before the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Ombudsman, the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and other competent bodies.