ICI finalizing remaining cases for turnover to Ombudsman

The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) is finalizing the remaining investigative items it will submit to the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with its probe into alleged floodgate irregularities.

This comes following the successive resignations of two of its commissioners, the ICI said.

ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. clarified that the commission is not abruptly ending its work, but is instead moving toward its “proper legal conclusion” by ensuring that evidence gathered against nearly 100 individuals is ready for prosecution.

Reyes said the commission remains focused on fulfilling its mandate and is prioritizing the completion of remaining submissions to the Ombudsman to strengthen the growing number of cases expected to be filed in court and to hold those involved accountable.

He added that the departure of the commissioners came at a “natural point” in the commission’s work, noting that significant milestones have already been achieved, including the freezing of P20.3 billion in assets and the arrest of 16 individuals.

Reyes said the ICI’s remaining efforts will concentrate on strengthening case files for the Ombudsman and formalizing 10 systemic reform recommendations. These include the creation of a permanent anti-corruption body and stricter public scrutiny of the national budget process.

He assured the public that the ICI remains committed to holding officials and contractors accountable for infrastructure anomalies and will focus on the seamless transition of its findings to the appropriate judicial and prosecutorial institutions in the coming weeks.