Malacañang has appealed to those allegedly spreading false narratives against the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to cease their actions, saying such behavior does not contribute to the nation’s economic recovery.
The statement came from Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Press Officer and Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing on Monday, October 20.
“Sinimulan po ito ng Pangulo, ang ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ nitong September. So makikita po natin kung gaano na po kalaki ang inabot nito, kung gaano na kahaba ang inabot nito. Nagkaroon po ng Executive Order (EO) No. 94, para po mai-establish ang ICI, ang independent commission, para po magkaroon ng mas malalimang pag-iimbestiga sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects at infrastructure,” Castro said.
She added that the commission’s creation has already led to several key developments, including asset freezes, issuance of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) by the Department of Justice, and recommendations for the filing of cases—notably against former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
“So marami pa pong nagawa at marami pa pong iniimbestigahan. Nararamdaman po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon, ang nararamdaman ng mga businessmen, kaya po patuloy ang ginagawang pag-iimbestiga at patuloy ang pagpapabilis ng aksyon para po mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” she added.
Castro then addressed those she described as “obstructionists” who continue to spread misleading stories intended to damage the credibility of the ICI.
“Siguro ang hiling na lamang po natin doon sa mga ‘obstructionist’ na gumagawa na lang ng iba’t ibang kuwento para sirain ang integridad ng ICI, bawasan nila ito o hintuan na nila, dahil hindi po ito nakakatulong sa ekonomiya,” she appealed.
The Palace earlier affirmed its full confidence in the ICI and the ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects. Castro noted that the commission continues to function effectively and independently.
“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng mas 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, kahit mga miyembro ng Kongreso, sila naman po ay tumutugon at nagbibigay ng kanilang pahayag,” she said.
Through Executive Order No. 94, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to conduct a deeper probe into questionable government-funded projects and ensure accountability among those involved.
The Palace reiterated that the ICI’s efforts are part of the administration’s broader commitment to fight corruption and restore public trust, emphasizing that baseless criticisms only slow down progress and economic momentum.