Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. and Commissioner Rogelio Singson are scheduled to appear before the Senate for a public hearing today.
During the hearing, which is set to commence at 2 p.m., the two are expected to share their views on Senate Bill No. 1215, which seeks to create an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) to investigate anomalies in government infrastructure projects.
The proposed IPC, which will be established by law, is seen to be more independent than the current ICI, which was created by a mere executive order.
In August, Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed S.B. No. 1215.
“Corruption is now seen, heard, and felt by Filipinos more than ever. The failed flood-control projects that are supposed to protect lives, livelihoods, and properties of our countrymen, the dilapidated classrooms for our students, and the lack of quality farm-to-market roads to aid our farmers, all are engulfed in corruption, hindering the progress of the nation as a whole,” Sotto said upon filing the bill.
The proposed IPC is envisioned to conduct comprehensive investigations into reported and alleged irregularities such as corruption, ghost projects, overpricing, and the use of substandard materials in both past and ongoing projects, with jurisdiction over infrastructure implemented by the national government, local government units, and government-owned and -controlled corporations.
Recently, members of the House of Representatives urged President Marcos to call for a special session of Congress to swiftly pass legislation granting full investigative powers to the ICI.
The lawmakers appealed after some private contractors refused to cooperate with the ICI investigation, casting doubt on the commission’s ability to compel witnesses and secure critical evidence.
They stated that the ICI — created only through an executive order — currently lacks the legal authority to compel private individuals and entities to participate in the investigation.
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated.
