A member of the House minority bloc on Thursday urged President Marcos to call for a special session of Congress to swiftly pass legislation granting full investigative powers to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
Rep. Edgar Erice of Caloocan City’s second district made the call after contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya reportedly refused to cooperate with the ICI investigation, casting doubt on the commission’s ability to compel witnesses and secure critical evidence.
According to Erice, the ICI — created only through an executive order — currently lacks the legal authority to compel private individuals and entities to participate in the investigation.
“Without a law, the commission is powerless and could become inutile. This refusal to cooperate will encourage others to do the same, undermining the credibility of the investigation and delaying justice in what may be the biggest public fund heist in Philippine history,” Erice warned.
The lawmaker stressed that only a commission created by an act of Congress can summon any individual — whether in government or the private sector — and cite them in contempt if they refuse to testify or submit documents. He further emphasized the need for institutional independence:
“Under an executive order, the commission depends entirely on the President for funding and can be abolished at any time. A legislated commission, however, cannot be dissolved easily and will possess true independence,” he noted.
