Palace hesitates over IPC

The creation of an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) may end up duplicating work already handled by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DoJ), Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Sunday.

In a radio interview, Undersecretary Castro expressed hope that if the IPC is formed, its constitutionality will be clear, as the new body could risk overlapping with existing agencies.

“If they make a law forming an Independent People’s Commission, I hope its constitutionality won’t be questioned because it could create redundancy,” she said.

Castro pointed out that both the Ombudsman and the DoJ already have the authority to conduct hearings and determine probable cause against individuals involved in alleged irregularities. “They are the ones mandated to evaluate evidence and, if needed, file cases with the Sandiganbayan or other courts,” she added.

The statement comes amid calls for a new IPC after the recent resignation of former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto has backed the creation of the IPC, saying it would continue investigations if the ICI is dissolved. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, noted that the ICI is temporary and will eventually turn over its findings to his office.

“The ICI is not permanent. That’s why we’re very active now,” Remulla said in Filipino.

The ICI itself was established under Executive Order 94 last September to probe alleged corruption, misuse, and irregularities in flood control and related infrastructure projects over the past decade. Castro explained that as a “fact-finding” body, the ICI does not have contempt powers.

“Why doesn’t the ICI have contempt powers? Its purpose isn’t to punish or imprison anyone who refuses to attend hearings,” she said.

Lawmakers have continued pushing for stronger oversight. In the Senate, Sotto and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan expressed urgency for passing the IPC law, ideally before Christmas. In the House, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco echoed the call, highlighting the need for House Bills 4453 and 5699 to give the ICI the “teeth” it needs.

As for a replacement for Singson, Usec. Castro said the President has yet to announce a successor. ICI Chairperson Justice Andres Reyes Jr. noted that Singson stepped down due to health and security reasons.

“In the President’s view, it’s really hard to replace someone like Secretary Babes Singson,” Castro said.