MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will convene daily to expedite its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control and other public infrastructure projects.
Speaking during a press briefing at Kalayaan Hall, Marcos underscored the urgency of the probe, stressing that any delay in addressing possible corruption would further erode public trust and put communities at risk.
“The ICI is expected to meet every day to begin its mandate, organize its secretariat, and move swiftly in identifying lapses, reviewing documents, and proposing reforms,” the President said.
Marcos added that the commission must act quickly to process and verify the numerous reports submitted by the public.
“We cannot let the information from the public through the ‘Isumbong Mo sa Pangulo’ platform go stale. That’s why I told them: just move fast,” he said in Filipino.
The ICI has the authority to subpoena records, conduct hearings, and recommend the filing of criminal and administrative charges. However, it does not have prosecutorial powers; enforcement will be handled by agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, or other appropriate bodies.
Marcos formed the ICI to examine potential misuse of public funds in flood control and related infrastructure projects. The probe will cover the past 10 years, targeting patterns of corruption and accountability gaps across multiple administrations.
“The reason we extended the scope to the last 10 years is to ensure we capture the full extent of the problem—not just the symptoms, but the root causes,” he explained.
Leading the commission is former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., appointed for his “honesty and fairness,” according to the President. Other members include former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, SGV & Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser.
The commission’s creation comes amid rising public outrage over recurring floods and allegations of ghost projects, overpricing, and poor-quality construction, despite billions spent annually on infrastructure. The administration has pledged that those found guilty will be held fully accountable, regardless of rank or political affiliation.
