Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said yesterday discussions on the replacement of resigned members of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) have not yet been held while a related measure is still pending.
“For the time being, there had been no discussions about replacements because we are looking at a measure that could take over the independent commission, “ Castrol told radio network dzBB.
ICI member Rossana Fajardo announced her resignation from the ICI, effective Dec. 31, 2025, saying she had completed the work she intended to accomplish during her tenure.
“I believe that the investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities will now transition to other agencies, such as the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, which are better positioned to ensure accountability for contractors and government officials,” Fajardo said.
Earlier this month, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio Singson also tendered his resignation from the ICI, citing health reasons and security.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged Congress to prioritize the passage of the proposed Independent People’s Commission (IPC) Act.
The bill aims to establish a permanent, independent, and non-partisan commission that would investigate alleged anomalies and corruption in infrastructure projects at the national, local government unit, and government-owned and -controlled corporation levels.
“The President wants a clear-cut law. He does not want an overlapping of jurisdiction with the Ombudsman, the DOJ (Department of Justice), that would be the independent commission,” Castro explained.
On Dec. 7, Castro cautioned that establishing an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) might be redundant, noting its functions may already be covered by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Meanwhile,16 senators signed on Dec. 3 a committee report supporting the bill to create a more powerful IPC and abolish the ICI, emphasizing the panel’s broad mandate to investigate government infrastructure anomalies.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “No plans yet to replace resigned ICI commissioners”
