Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson pushed anew for the passage of the Independent People's Commission (IPC) following the resignation of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rossana Fajardo.

Lacson pointed out that while the ICI has been very helpful in gathering information that may lead to the prosecution and arrest of those involved in the anomalous flood control projects, it is still an ad hoc body and is not permanent.

He underscored that the IPC may help address the challenges faced by the ICI commissioners, including the lack of immunity from suit and the lack of the power to cite persons in contempt.

"This is why the ICI merely referred cases to the Ombudsman instead of filing complaints against those involved - its commissioners have no immunity from suit and may face countercharges for doing their work," Lacson pressed.

Fajardo on Friday, 26 December, tendered her resignation effective 31 December, saying she completed the work she set out to accomplish when she was appointed.

Fellow ICI commissioner Rogelio Singson also stepped down on 3 December.

On 15 Sept., President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 94, creating the three-member body to probe questionable flood control issues.

As a fact-finding body, ICI’s power is limited to conducting hearings and taking testimony, as well as receiving, gathering, reviewing, and evaluating evidence, reports, and information before it recommends the filing of charges to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Meanwhile, in the filed IPC bill in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, lawmakers proposed that it be authorized to issue contempt sanctions or penalties against individuals who do not comply with legal orders.

The proposed bill will also have the authority to file complaints against officials or any government personnel who try to block a probe into corruption in government projects.