The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) announced Friday it is concluding its operations after transferring all documents, evidence, and findings concerning the multibillion flood control project scandal to the Office of the Ombudsman.
ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. expressed his belief that the commission has effectively fulfilled its responsibilities as outlined in Executive Order No. 94, thereby setting the stage for the ongoing efforts to be carried on by the legally constituted agencies.
“Thus, I hereby recommend that the ICI wind down its operations. The commission will remain operational until March 31, 2026 to complete the necessary administrative processes related to its wind-down,” he said.
The ICI has been in operation for nearly six months. However, with the resignation of its two commissioners, it functioned as a collegial body for only 90 days.
“Within this brief period, the commission has established the investigative framework and methodology that can now be adopted and replicated by statutory prosecutorial agencies in examining the full universe of anomalous infrastructure projects,” Reyes said.
The commission has already referred nine cases involving 65 individuals to the Ombudsman, assembled 20 agencies in the Technical Working Group for Asset Recovery, and started developing three information systems aimed at detecting fraud and irregularities in infrastructure projects.
“While these represent only the initial phase of a much broader investigative and restitution effort, these accomplishments demonstrate that, with strong inter-agency coordination, proper investigations can be conducted which could ultimately lead to the successful prosecution of those responsible and the recovery of stolen public funds,” he said.
The investigative methodology developed by the ICI has been included in the materials turned over to the Ombudsman to facilitate the seamless transition of the Commission’s investigative work.
Reyes urged the Technical Working Group for Asset Recovery to continue its restitution efforts based on the guidance provided by the Commission.
He is also hoping that Congress will quickly address bills to create an Independent Commission to investigate irregularities in government infrastructure projects.
“I am glad that the Office of the President has prioritized the pending Senate and House bills proposing the establishment of the Independent Peoples’ Commission and the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption. I hope that Congress will promptly act on these bills.”
Reyes also asked government institutions involved in the implementation and oversight of infrastructure projects to act on the ICI’s recommendations for their respective offices to improve transparency, strengthen controls, enhance coordination, reinforce accountability, and prevent the recurrence of infrastructure-related irregularities.
“I extend my gratitude to the government agencies that assisted and cooperated with the ICI in the conduct of its investigation. I likewise thank the Filipino people for their deep love of country. As the investigation continues through the coordinated efforts of our government agencies, may we remain vigilant and steadfast in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice. May we always remember that crime does not, and should never, pay. No one is, and should ever be, above the law.”
