ICI wraps up probe, preps cases for Ombudsman

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is putting the finishing touches on the remaining items it will submit to the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the floodgate probe.

This comes after the recent resignations of two commissioners, but ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. emphasized that the commission is far from abruptly ending its work. Instead, it’s moving deliberately toward what he calls a “proper legal conclusion,” making sure that the evidence gathered against nearly 100 individuals is fully prepared for prosecution.

“Our goal is to fulfill our mandate,” Reyes said. “We’re focusing on finalizing the remaining investigative items to strengthen the cases submitted to the Ombudsman. Ultimately, we want to hold those involved accountable.”

The ICI chair described the departure of the commissioners as coming at a “natural point,” noting the commission has already achieved key milestones, including freezing P20.3 billion in assets and securing the arrests of 16 individuals.

Reyes added that the remaining work will be dedicated to shoring up case files for the Ombudsman and formalizing 10 systemic reform recommendations — ranging from creating a permanent anti-corruption body to ensuring stricter public oversight of the national budget process.

“Despite the transitions, the ICI remains committed to its mandate of holding officials and contractors accountable for infrastructure anomalies,” Reyes assured. The commission will now focus on a smooth handover of its findings to the appropriate judicial and prosecutorial institutions in the coming weeks.