Several senators are moving to institutionalize the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) despite the absence of support from Malacañang.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he will continue pushing his bill to create an Independent People’s Commission even without an urgent certification from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The measure, filed in August, would strengthen the ICI’s authority by granting contempt powers and immunity for witnesses.
A similar bill establishing an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) has been introduced in the House.
The push comes after ICI commissioner and former DPWH chief Rogelio “Babes” Singson—who resigned after three months—urged Congress to institutionalize the body due to limitations hindering the flood control probe.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the ICI “is serving its purpose in flushing out useful information, to say the least, for the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ).”
Since its creation in September through executive order, the ICI has forwarded eight cases to the Ombudsman, including the recommendation that led to graft and malversation charges against former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and 15 others over a ₱290-million substandard dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
“I wonder why Malacanang’s enthusiasm is lost all of a sudden,” Lacson added.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon said Congress should pass the ICI bill with a sunset clause ending its mandate on June 30, 2028.
“People are angry at the massive corruption and will get angrier if the ICI bill is vetoed. PBBM is playing with fire,” he warned.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla earlier estimated that the ICI may have only two months left to complete its investigations.
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said the issue has yet to be discussed in the Palace but acknowledged that Remulla’s timeline “may be possible.”