Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Monday expressed optimism that the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) could help bring accountability to a nation he said is “drowning” in corruption.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier officially named former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the ICI, which will act as a special investigative body amid growing allegations of corruption in state-funded infrastructure projects.
Lacson said he was encouraged by Reyes’ integrity, recalling his personal encounters with him while the former magistrate was still on the high court.
“We are hopeful that they can help bring justice to a national ‘drowning’ in corruption, no thanks to the insatiably greedy government officials, mostly from the legislative and executive branches,” the lawmaker said.
Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV country managing partner Rossana Fajardo have also been named as members of the commission.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, will serve as a special adviser, further adding to the panel’s mix of public service and private sector experience.
Lacson said he believes this team is well positioned to confront entrenched corruption in government infrastructure programs.
The senator also welcomed President Marcos’ decision to broaden the commission’s jurisdiction beyond flood control initiatives.
He said oversight should cover all infrastructure projects, given the scale of corruption scandals that have affected various sectors.
