ICI may collapse after Fajardo resignation

Opposition lawmakers on Friday said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) may be on the brink of collapse after Commissioner Rossana Fajardo announced her resignation, effective 31 December 2025.

Fajardo said she completed the work she set out to do and believes investigative and prosecutorial duties should now shift to permanent bodies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman.

House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima (ML party-list) and Makabayan bloc representatives Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Sarah Elago (Gabriela), and Renee Co (Kabataan), along with Akbayan’s Perci Cendaña, noted that Fajardo’s exit further shrinks a commission already depleted by resignations, leaving only Chairperson Andres Reyes and Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin.

“This can very well be the end of ICI. Dapat kasi meron nang ICAIC by now,” de Lima said, referring to the proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).

("There should be an ICAIC by now.")

Cendaña said the series of resignations has overshadowed the commission’s work, arguing that the departures of Fajardo and former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson — both supporters of the ICAIC bill — point to deeper structural issues.

Singson earlier cited lack of authority and resources in stepping down.

House infrastructure panel co-chair Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro) urged immediate appointments to fill vacancies, saying the ICI’s work must continue uninterrupted into the new year.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created the ICI in September to investigate alleged anomalies in government flood control and other infrastructure projects.

Opposition lawmakers have long pushed for the ICAIC, arguing the ICI lacks contempt powers to compel cooperation from uncooperative witnesses.

“The ICI is a lost cause,” the Makabayan lawmakers said, questioning its transparency and credibility amid ongoing personnel losses.