But senators say new probe body makes up for ICI shortcomings
The Palace said yesterday that establishing an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) as proposed in both Houses of Congress might be redundant, noting its functions may already be covered by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a radio interview, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the IPC is intended to investigate not only flood control projects but also various other infrastructure initiatives.
“If they are going to create a law to establish an Independent People’s Commission, I hope that its constitutionality is not questioned, as there might be redundancy,” she told DZBB in Filipino.
She added that existing institutions, such as the Ombudsman and the DOJ, are already mandated to conduct hearings, assess probable cases, and file charges before the Sandiganbayan or the courts.
The undersecretary also clarified that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was formed as a “fact-finding” body that gathers documents and refers them to the Ombudsman and the DOJ.
“Why doesn’t the ICI have contempt power? The reason [for its creation] is not to penalize, imprison, or punish anyone who fails to attend [the hearings],” she added.
Last week, 16 senators signed a committee report supporting a bill to create a more powerful IPC and abolish the ICI, emphasizing the panel’s broad mandate to investigate corruption in the government’s infrastructure program.
They argue that the envisioned IPC will make up for the shortcomings of the ICI.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo Lacson said he is optimistic that the IPC bill will be passed by the Senate this week.
In an interview over the weekend, he noted that the Senate is aware of the challenges faced by the ICI since its creation, while pointing out that no senator has opposed the IPC bill and that all have expressed support for the formation of the new commission.
Lacson expressed hope that the House of Representatives will follow the Senate’s lead by expediting the passage of its version of the bill.
Among the issues under discussion in the Senate is granting contempt powers to the IPC to complement its existing authority.
The Blue Ribbon panel chair argued that subpoena powers are ineffective without the ability to enforce compliance through contempt.
For his part, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the IPC could continue the work of the ICI if the latter is dissolved.
Sotto filed the IPC bill last August and said it could be passed within one or two months since it is already on second reading.
Unlike the ICI, which is limited to infrastructure projects, the IPC will investigate any form of government anomaly.
“All the anomalies, the corruption…all of that will be prosecuted. The IPC can investigate all of that,” he assured.
Sotto suggested expanding the commission to seven members, including representatives from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Additionally, appointments to the IPC would be made by the President himself.
For Senator Francis Pangilinan, the IPC bill will give the ICI legal powers to avoid repeated executive sessions.
The bill includes powers to hold individuals in contempt, freeze assets, file cases, and deputize law enforcement agencies for investigations.
“They need more teeth. They need broader authority to be able to do their job. The issues they are facing are no joke,” he concluded.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “IPC may overlap with functions of Ombudsman, DOJ — Castro”
