Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed proposals in both chambers of Congress to strengthen the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), saying such measures would reinforce efforts to ensure accountability in government.
In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace views Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s plan to institutionalize the commission through Senate Bill 1215 as complementary to the President’s initiative. Sotto earlier said he would ask President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to certify the bill as urgent to fast-track its passage.
“Lawmakers also saw the importance of what the President has done in creating the independent commission,” Castro said. “We welcome any measure that will strengthen its powers because its only goal is to hold accountable those who should be held accountable.”
Castro added she has no knowledge if Sotto has already reached out to the President, but stressed that Mr. Marcos would be open to supporting the measure, especially if it “broadens the powers of the independent commission.”
Meanwhile, the Palace also responded to a separate proposal in the House of Representatives to grant contempt powers to the commission. House Bill 4453 seeks to empower the body to punish individuals who refuse to attend its hearings, arguing that the authority given under the President’s executive order was not strong enough.
Castro noted that Mr. Marcos initially envisioned the commission as a fact-finding body, which did not require contempt powers. “But if Congress decides to give it such authority, that is a welcome suggestion and the President welcomes it,” she said, adding that the President could be expected to support the measure if deemed urgent and necessary.
In a related development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) pledged its full cooperation in securing ongoing inspections of major flood-control projects led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Acting Chief PNP Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured that police units nationwide are ready to provide dedicated security as DPWH teams visit critical flood-mitigation sites.
“The entire Philippine National Police stands united behind the President’s call for transparent and accountable infrastructure development. Our primary duty is to safeguard the people and the projects that will protect our communities from flooding. While we are not experts in engineering, we are experts in ensuring safety, and we will see to it that these inspections remain free from any threat,” Nartatez said.
This commitment aligns with the directive of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, who stressed the need for continuous security for DPWH engineers and personnel amid credible threats during field inspections. Nartatez added that regional and local police offices have been instructed to work closely with DPWH teams and local governments to guarantee smooth and secure site visits.
“We are one with the government in keeping these initiatives safe. Every flood-control project that shields our communities deserves full protection, and every PNP unit—from the national headquarters to the smallest station—is committed to that mission,” he emphasized.
The PNP reiterated its strong support for the government’s broader goal of resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness, affirming that protecting those who build these projects is a vital part of safeguarding every Filipino community.
