ICI drops names, now what?

The list of individuals recommended by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to face charges in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal feels like a roll call of betrayal. However, for many Filipinos, simply naming names is not enough. Most people are demanding that swift justice be served as soon as possible.

Many people have become weary of the political grandstanding and theatrics, and are calling for significant systemic reforms not only in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but across all branches of government — the executive, legislative, and even the judicial. Most Filipinos are demanding imprisonment rather than just summonses, and they seek full restitution instead of mere asset freeze.

Former Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., chairman of the ICI, assured Filipinos that justice will not be delayed following the commission’s recommendation to file cases against several lawmakers, government officials, and private contractors for their alleged involvement in the flood control anomalies.

The ICI’s list came days after major business organizations appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address, without delay, the historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption that has affected flood control and other infrastructure projects — adding that this crisis has eroded the public trust and threatens national security.

Though the list does not include personalities initially named by former government officials, Reyes said they will continue to investigate, follow the evidence, and pursue charges to the very last man involved. The list includes personalities implicated in past cases involving public funds.

Some individuals mentioned earlier were not included in the ICI’s list, leading to frustration and suspicion among many Filipinos. This has sparked renewed calls for greater accountability, with people questioning whether political influence is shielding certain individuals from charges.

Amid the numerous individuals allegedly involved in the anomalies who have submitted their testimonies, the ICI has stated that no one has met the qualifications to be a state witness. This declaration has disappointed the controversial Discaya couple, leading them to withdraw their cooperation from the investigation.

Notwithstanding the Discayas’ withdrawal, the ICI investigation will continue and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings will soon resume. The Department of Justice (DoJ) likewise qualified that the investigations will not depend on them and will move forward even without them.

The Office of the Ombudsman may require some time to evaluate the case files submitted by the ICI before the recent long weekend. With the appointment of Jesus Crispin C. Remulla as the new Ombudsman, the evaluation timeline might be expedited. His prior knowledge and involvement in the initial investigations when he was Justice secretary may facilitate this process.

As days pass since the President’s SoNA in July, many Filipinos are growing increasingly impatient and expect a swift resolution and restitution that will favor them.

As a Poll Starter, justice is not just about making a list; it must also be reflected in the choices we make. As we vote in the next elections, the flood control scandal must serve as a powerful reminder that those who have betrayed the public trust should not be granted power anew.

Allegations of corruption, even without a conviction, should prompt scrutiny rather than silence. If we genuinely desire systemic reforms, we must stop recycling the same individuals and start reclaiming democracy — one vote at a time.