President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is reportedly satisfied with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) but remains open to suggestions on how to further strengthen its mandate and authority.
This was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing in Malacañang when asked if the President was pleased with the ICI’s handling of the probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
“Kung may igaganda pa, hindi naman po ito sasarhan ng Pangulo pero sa ngayon po, sa nakikita po natin, maganda po ang itinatakbo ng pagiimbestiga ng ICI,” Castro said.
Castro added that it would be beneficial for the commission to be granted “more teeth” in carrying out its ongoing investigation.
She noted that officials summoned by the ICI have been cooperative and responsive to its requests.
“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng ngipin, pangil ang ICI. Pero sa ngayon po nakikita naman po natin na maganda ang itinatakbo ng ICI. Pag nagpatawag po sila, kahit mga senador, mga miyembro ng Kongreso, sila naman po ay tumutugon at nagbibigay ng pahayag,” she said.
“So sa ngayon po, maganda po ang itinatakbo ng ICI at ginagalang po ng mga witnesses or mga pinapatawag or diumanong concerned parties, ginagalang nila ang ICI at tumutugon sila sa patawag,” she added.
Earlier, House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan 2nd District Representative Egay Erice criticized the ICI, calling it a “paper tiger” for allegedly lacking the proper legal authority to conduct a full investigation into the anomalous flood control projects.
Erice argued that the ICI, which was created by President Marcos through Executive Order No. 94, does not possess enough legal power to effectively carry out its mandate. He also warned that without a clear legislative framework, the commission might fail to hold accountable those involved in overpriced or irregular infrastructure projects.