By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created an independent fact-finding body to investigate alleged irregularities in government flood control and other infrastructure projects, citing threats to public safety and erosion of public trust.
Established through Executive Order (EO) 94, signed and made public Thursday, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will consist of a chairperson and two members of proven competence and integrity, supported by an executive director with the rank of undersecretary and a full secretariat to handle technical and administrative work.
The commission may also enlist experts and professionals as advisers or consultants to aid in its probe.
Malacañang said the President will announce members of the commission “very shortly” following the publication of the EO.
“The Administration is firmly committed to maintain 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 Jr. said in the order.
The ICI’s mandate is to hear, investigate, and gather evidence on anomalies, misuse of funds, and possible corruption in the planning, financing, and implementation of government projects, with priority on flood control works undertaken in the past 10 years.
The commission is empowered to issue subpoenas, compel the production of documents, recommend criminal, civil, and administrative cases before the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Civil Service Commission, and coordinate with other government agencies.
It may also recommend asset freezes, hold departure orders, and preventive suspensions to preserve the integrity of investigations.
Flood control projects, which have consistently received billions in annual allocations, have been flagged as prone to corruption due to repeated delays, substandard construction, and alleged misuse of funds, despite their critical role in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
The ICI will submit monthly reports to the Office of the President and publish its accomplishments. It will operate until it has fulfilled its mandate or is dissolved by the President.
Full support from House
Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed his full support for the President’s “decisive move in signing Executive Order No. 94.”
“This shows our shared resolve to confront irregularities and strengthen public trust in government projects. The House of Representatives will extend its full cooperation to the ICI so that truth can prevail, accountability can be pursued, and reforms can be put in place,” he said in a statement.
He assured the Filipino people that if the commission’s investigation finds that some members of the House conspired with public works officials in anomalous projects, “the House will never be a sanctuary for corruption.”
“This process is not about casting blame, but about ensuring fairness. Due process will protect the innocent as much as it will hold the guilty to account,” he said. “The commission’s work will help separate fact from speculation, and this will allow both government and the public to move forward with clarity and renewed trust.”
Meanwhile, the House Infrastructure Committee said it is looking forward to working with the Independent Commission.
“The House Infrastructure Committee supports the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure. We look forward to working with the ICI on the investigation of various anomalous infrastructure projects, particularly ghost and substandard flood control projects, which are currently the subject of the Infra Comm’s inquiry,” panel co-chair, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, said in a separate statement.
“It is our commitment to work with the ICI to ensure that truth and accountability prevail, that public funds are protected, and that those responsible for anomalous projects are brought to justice.” (With a report from Jose Cielito Reganit / PNA)
