Palace says ICI still active, President awaiting final report

The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) has undergone major changes in recent months, with several members stepping down and only a few remaining officials continuing its work.

This has led to public speculation that the commission may be nearing its end, raising concerns that funds allocated to its operations may have been wasted.

However, Palace Press Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is simply waiting for the ICI’s official report before deciding on the government’s next steps. She clarified that there is no deadline for the submission of the report.

Castro assured the public that the ICI remains operational, continues to comply with its mandate, and is actively reviewing numerous cases under investigation.

The ICI was formed amid heightened public concern over costly flood control and public works projects that failed to prevent widespread flooding, prompting renewed calls for accountability in the use of public funds.

The commission was mandated to examine records, gather documents, and hear from resource persons involved in infrastructure implementation across several administrations.

Its findings are intended to form the basis for possible administrative, civil, or criminal cases, with recommendations to be referred to agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.

Despite its mandate, the ICI has faced operational challenges, including the resignation of several key members, which sparked questions about its continuity and effectiveness.