A P41.4-million budget for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure for 2025 was approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said yesterday.

Hosaka said the exact figure for the initial operating budget of the ICI is P41,481,000.

“It’s a big thing for any agency. It’s very crucial for our efficiency,” he noted.

“I believe it’s going to come soon because only a few documents are needed,” he added, referring to the release of the funds.

He said the budget will lead to the creation of 172 contractual positions in the ICI that will include its legal and administrative departments, among others.

“Our current lawyers, most of them are detailed to us by the government. But with this staffing pattern being approved and the budget downloaded soon to the commission, we will be able to accommodate our organic staff which would be composed of lawyers, accountants, and engineers,” Hosaka said.