By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Friday the fate of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) would depend on how much work remains to be done, noting that the fact-finding body is nearing the completion of its mandate.
“Well, it depends on how much work they still have left. Kung matapos na ‘yung trabaho nila, we will see what they can do next. But they are really coming toward the end,” the President said in a media interview on the sidelines of an event in Mandaluyong City when asked about his plans for the ICI.
He noted that the ICI has already investigated most of the alleged anomalous flood control projects, with only a few remaining issues yet to be resolved.
“Lahat ng kailangang imbestigahan, naimbestigahan na nila. Maybe there are one or two loose ends that they still have to clear up,” he said.
Asked about the possible appointment of new commissioners, Marcos Jr. said no decision has been made, adding that this would again depend on the amount of work the ICI still needs to do.
“That’s something we haven’t really decided on yet. Again, it all depends on the work that the ICI still has in front of them,” he said.
Once the ICI completes its work and all relevant information has been turned over to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman, the focus of the investigation will shift to the two agencies, he said.
“If they are still needed, then we will continue. But if the work is done and all the information has already been submitted to the DOJ and the Ombudsman, then the investigation will move forward through the DOJ and the Ombudsman,” the Chief Executive said.
On Sept. 11, Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 94 creating the ICI to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control and related infrastructure projects over the past decade.
Under EO 94, the ICI is mandated to recommend the filing of appropriate cases before competent bodies, such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ.
