President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday announced that former Supreme Court (SC) Justice Andres Reyes Jr. will head the newly formed Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), placing a veteran jurist at the helm of a high-profile investigation into questionable government projects from the last decade.
In his address at Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang, Mr. Marcos said Reyes’ long tenure in the judiciary and reputation for integrity made him the ideal choice to lead the commission.
“Justice Andy Reyes has been with the Court of Appeals for a very long time with a very good record of honesty and fairness, and a good record of being able to find justice for those who have been victimized,” President Marcos said. “He has the qualities needed to lead this independent body.”
The ICI was established under Executive Order No. 94 to examine alleged irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects, many of which were flagged through public complaints submitted under the administration’s “Isumbong Mo sa Pangulo” program.
Reyes will work alongside two other members: former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, who brings decades of infrastructure expertise, and Rossana Fajardo, country managing partner of SGV & Co., who will provide accounting and forensic auditing experience.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a retired police general, was named special adviser for his investigative track record, including his role in the 2015 Mamasapano probe.
President Marcos said the ICI has agreed to meet daily to accelerate their work. Their immediate task is to establish the commission’s organizational structure, including staffing and secretariat functions, before launching hearings and inquiries.
Mr. Marcos emphasized that the ICI will operate independently and free from Malacañang’s direction. It will be empowered to issue subpoenas to compel witnesses and secure documents, but will not have contempt powers, as it is not a prosecutorial body.
Instead, it will forward its findings to relevant institutions such as the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, or Civil Service Commission.
The probe will focus on projects covering the past 10 years, corresponding to the Commission on Audit’s record retention period. President Marcos said this time frame is also crucial in tracing how irregular bidding and contracting practices evolved into systemic problems.
Beyond investigating past projects, the ICI is also expected to recommend safeguards against future irregularities.
Among the reforms already ordered by the president is the reinstatement of local government “acceptance” of completed national projects, a safeguard that was removed in the previous administration.
Reyes’ leadership will be critical, the president said, in ensuring that the commission not only uncovers anomalies but also strengthens institutions.
“What we really want is to fix the system,” Mr. Marcos said. “We have to make sure that the funds that belong to the people are well spent and properly spent to the advantage of all of us,” he added.
The ICI’s work comes as President Marcos ordered the cancellation of all 2026 flood control projects, with the resulting savings to be redirected to priority sectors such as education, health, housing, agriculture, and energy.
