President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is close to finishing its review of alleged irregularities in flood control projects, with any remaining activity dependent on unresolved details.
In remarks to reporters during an ambush interview in Mandaluyong City on Friday, Jan. 16, Marcos said most of the matters assigned to the commission have already been examined, leaving only minor items that may still require clarification.
“We will see what they can do next. But they really are coming toward the end—lahat ng kailangang imbestigahan, naimbestigahan na nila (They have already investigated what needed to be investigated),” the President said. He added that “maybe there are one or two other loose ends that they have to clear up.”
Marcos also addressed questions about leadership changes within the body, following the resignations of commissioners Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo. He said no determination has been made on whether replacements will be named.
“We haven’t really decided on that yet,” he said, adding, “Pag kailangan pa (If they still need them), then we will.”
According to the President, once the commission concludes its fact-finding role, responsibility for pursuing accountability will pass to prosecutorial offices.
“If the work is done, kung naibigay na lahat ng information sa DOJ (Department of Justice) tsaka sa Ombudsman (If they have already turned over all information to the DOJ and the Ombudsman), then the focus now of the investigation will go to the DOJ and the Ombudsman,” he said.
The ICI was formed to examine alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects following public concern over repeated flooding and reports of questionable spending. Despite criticism over the lack of a full roster of commissioners, Malacañang has maintained that the panel can continue its work, with Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro previously noting that the commission’s mandate is recommendatory and can proceed even with a single remaining commissioner.
