MALACANANG on Wednesday reaffirmed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s confidence in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) amid criticisms over its authority, resources, and relevance alongside existing investigative agencies.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President continues to support the ICI’s mandate even as the administration pushes for the passage of the proposed Independent People’s Commission Act, a priority measure that would institutionalize the ICI.
“Yes, still, there isn’t any law yet. And the President trusts what the ICI is doing,” Castro told Palace reporters.
Concerns surfaced after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla commented that the commission could be dissolved, while former ICI member Rogelio Singson claimed it lacked powers or enforcement capabilities.
Castro countered that the ICI was never intended to act as a prosecution body, but rather to collate documents, evidence, and case materials for endorsement to the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.
“There’s no bite in a powerless approach because there are no contempt powers… but the President wouldn’t do this either,” she said.
Castro also dismissed criticisms over funding and resources, saying the commission has been provided with its budget and equipment.
“We may have some budget already… perhaps you didn’t notice,” she noted.
Castro maintained that the ICI has already facilitated case development leading to asset freezes and the filing of complaints in recent corruption probes.
Moreover, questions have been raised on whether the proposed Independent People’s Commission Act would duplicate the functions of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Castro said. Marcos has instructed lawmakers to study the measure carefully to avoid redundancy or jurisdictional conflict.
“Just check to see if there won’t be duplication of work… and don’t use it as a weapon in political maneuvers,” Castro quoted the President as saying.
