By Brian Campued
Malacañang on Saturday revealed the members and a special adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) which would be tasked to investigate anomalies in flood control projects undertaken by the government for the past ten years.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV & Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo will be included among the members of the powerful independent body.
Castro noted Singson’s decades of experience in both the planning and execution of major government infrastructure projects as former Public Works chief.
“As a former secretary of the [DPWH], he led one of the most significant reform efforts, introducing systems to promote transparency, eliminate ghost projects, and ensure proper use of public funds,” Castro said.
Fajardo, who is a certified public accountant, will likewise bring her technical insight and financial expertise to the ICI, particularly in “following the trail of public funds and determining where leakages and irregularities may have occurred.”
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will be the commission’s special adviser and will act as its investigator.
Castro clarified that Magalong will not be a member of the ICI—however, the local chief executive’s findings from his investigation can be submitted to the body.
“His experience in leading difficult investigations, uncovering internal wrongdoing, and enforcing compliance makes him a strong asset to this commission,” Castro stressed.
However, Malacañang has not yet disclosed who will lead the three-member ICI. Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will name the commission’s chairperson “in the coming days.”
The Palace press briefer also noted the extensive experience of the fact-finding team as well as their dedication in implementing reforms in the organizations they have served.
“At ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat, wala ni isa sa kanila ang konektado sa anumang ahensiya o kontratistang iniimbestigahan,” Castro stressed.
“Ang mga taong nabanggit natin ay hindi naman po namomolitika. Kaya asahan po ng taumbayan na pinili po ito ng Pangulo para po mas maging malalim ang pag-iimbestiga,” she added.
Castro also reiterated the President’s directive to the ICI—assuring that those responsible for the anomalies and corruption in flood control works will be held accountable.
“Gaya ng paulit-ulit na sinasabi ng Pangulo, walang sasantuhin dito—Kahit kamag-anak, kaibigan, o kaalyado. There will be no sacred cows,” she added.
The ICI was formed through Executive Order 94 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, and was granted broad investigative powers, including authority to issue subpoenas, recommend the filing of criminal or administrative cases, coordinate with prosecutorial and disciplinary bodies, and request relevant documents needed for the probe. (with report from Kenneth Paciente / PTV News)
-jpv
