The filing of cases in court against those involved in anomalous flood control projects will proceed despite the resignation of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rossana Fajardo, the Office of the Ombudsman said on Saturday.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said their efforts to hold those who stole public funds accountable will continue.
“Whether this signals the end or a transition phase of the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman will remain steady in its pursuit of credible and hard evidence, quality cases, and real accountability,” Clavano said.
“It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court – many upon the recommendation of the ICI,” he added.
Clavano also expressed high regard to the work rendered by the ICI, noting that the Ombudsman “put plenty of weight on their recommendations.”
“It has always been a concern for the ICI that they do not have immunity from suit – unlike the Ombudsman who is an impeachable officer. Thus, the exposure is high especially for those who head the commission. In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country’s history,” he said.
Fajardo, whose resignation will take effect December 31, 2025, said other government agencies will soon assume the prosecutorial duties of the ICI.
She is the third member to step down from the body since it was created in September, leaving only ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. and the body’s special adviser, retired police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., to continue the commission’s work.
Former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson resigned earlier this month while Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong quit in September.
Fajardo said a permanent commission, such as either the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption or the Independent People’s Commission, will be more effective in assisting the Ombudsman in prosecuting those involved in irregular flood control projects.
“I have fulfilled the objectives I aimed to achieve upon my appointment, ensuring that the foundational aims of the Commission have been realized. I believe that the investigative and prosecutorial duties will now be assumed by other entities, such as the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, which are more suitably equipped to guarantee accountability for contractors and government officials,” she said.
