ICI reasserts mandate vs corruption

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) faced sharp criticism Friday from an anti-corruption group for what the group called “trivializing” the issue of graft after a commission leader urged “love” amid mounting casualties from typhoon “Tino.”

ICI executive director Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka sought to refocus the commission on its core mandate, reiterating that the ICI exists “to fight corruption and make all individuals responsible for the anomalous infrastructure projects brought to justice.”

This followed an exchange where ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr.’s plea for “national solidarity and self-sacrifice” was countered by labor leader Atty. Luke Espiritu, who argued the country needs “laban”, not mere affection.

Hosaka stressed the commission’s purpose is clear regardless of the rhetorical debate.

However, anti-corruption group Artikulo Onse lambasted Reyes’ appeal for “love for country” in the face of a rising death toll, particularly in Cebu province, which sustained the greatest number of casualties.

“The ICI is numb to the suffering of our countrymen devastated by typhoon Tino. When people clamor for justice, is ‘love’ the right response? Already slow, now they are blind,” said Partido Lakas ng Masa chair and Artikulo Onse convenor Leody de Guzman.

The criticism intensified over the ICI’s ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects. Although the ICI recommended seven new names to be charged with corruption, De Guzman expressed doubt.

“The very person who signed the budget, including the 2025 budget, the most corrupt budget in the history of the country, is not in the ICI report,” De Guzman said, referring to the exclusion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the latest ICI recommendation.

To recall, Marcos has declared a state of national calamity, citing the scale of the devastation, with yet another projected super typhoon expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this weekend.

In response, Artikulo Onse announced a series of actions, culminating in a massive anti-corruption protest on 30 November and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino president and Artikulo Onse co-convenor Espiritu said the coalition will stage its rally in Mendiola, deviating from groups planning a repeat of the 21 September protest at the People Power Monument.