The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved more than ₱41 million to support the operations of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) until the end of 2025.
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed that the Office of the President, upon DBM’s recommendation, authorized the release of ₱41,481,000 from the 2025 contingent fund. The budget will cover the commission’s operational expenses, capital outlay, and salaries of its personnel.
“This approved budget covers the Commission’s operational requirements and capital outlay until the end of 2025,” Hosaka said, noting that the funds’ release and downloading were already being coordinated between the ICI and DBM.
He added that the allocation is a “big boost” to the commission’s work, stressing that funding is crucial for efficiency and compliance with Executive Order No. 94, which created the ICI.
Hosaka also announced that the DBM had approved the commission’s staffing pattern, allowing the creation of 172 contractual positions for its legal, financial, administrative, and special investigation departments.
“Our current lawyers, most of them are detailed to us by the government. But with this staffing pattern being approved now, and the budget hopefully to be downloaded soon, we would be able to accommodate our organic staff already which would be composed of lawyers, accountants, and engineers as well,” he explained.
The Independent Commission on Infrastructure was established by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September under Executive Order 94 to investigate alleged irregularities in public works projects over the past decade. It has the authority to summon witnesses, conduct hearings, and recommend the freezing or seizure of assets linked to questionable government infrastructure contracts.
