ICI can still function despite vacancies, says Malacañang

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed continued confidence in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) following the recent departures of two key commissioners.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. still trusts the commission’s ability to perform its duties, despite the resignations of Commissioners Rogelio “Babes” Singson and Rossana Fajardo.

“Right now, the President’s trust in ICI is there. All he wants is for everyone responsible to be held accountable,” Castro said during a press briefing. “Whatever others say, let’s just wait and not preempt the President.”

The statement follows remarks from Special Advisor Rodolfo Azurin, who suggested the commission might be unable to make legal referrals due to a lack of a quorum.

However, the Palace maintains that ICI Chairperson and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. can still fulfill the body’s mandate.

Castro argued that since the commission’s function is recommendatory, Reyes can still endorse cases to the Office of the Ombudsman if there is sufficient evidence regarding irregularities in flood control projects.

“If their function is recommendatory, even if Justice Reyes is alone, if he has sufficient evidence, this will not prevent them from recommending the filing of the case,” Castro said. “Anyone can give any recommendation to the Ombudsman.”

While Azurin indicated the ICI intends to write to the president regarding its current status, Castro cited that as an independent body, the commission must wait for the president’s final decision on its structure.

She added that other agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, are also conducting separate investigations into flood control projects.

The Palace reaffirmed that the proposed measure to formally institute the independent people’s commission remains a priority bill for the administration.