The resignation of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rossana Fajardo underscores the urgent need to pass a measure creating an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) that will institutionalize the work of the ICI, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
In a radio interview, Lacson said that while the ICI has been instrumental in gathering information that could lead to the prosecution and arrest of those involved in anomalous flood control projects, it remains only an ad hoc body without a permanent mandate.
“The bill creating the IPC must be passed to institutionalize the function of the ICI and make it part of the law of the land. The ICI is an ad hoc body and is not permanent; it needs a mandate,” he said.
Fajardo submitted her resignation on Friday, effective 31 December, citing the completion of the tasks she set out to accomplish when she was appointed. Earlier this month, fellow ICI Commissioner Rogelio Singson also resigned.
Lacson stressed the proposed IPC would help address limitations faced by ICI commissioners, including the lack of immunity from suit and the absence of authority to cite individuals in contempt.
“This is why the ICI merely referred cases to the Ombudsman instead of filing complaints,” Lacson said, noting that commissioners could face countercharges for doing their work due to the lack of legal protection.
Despite these constraints, Lacson said the ICI played a significant role in gathering information, with lawmakers responding to its invitations to testify. He added that the information collected helped the Office of the Ombudsman save time in building cases.
Lacson also cautioned authorities against publicly announcing timelines for filing cases or making arrests related to anomalous infrastructure projects, warning that unfulfilled promises could lead to public disappointment.
He said he shares the frustration of many Filipinos after earlier pronouncements that major personalities would be charged or arrested by 15 December or before Christmas did not materialize.
Lacson said he has already provided the ICI, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Public Works and Highways with evidence from his privilege speeches and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.
"If they are not sure, they should not make announcements. Now they say personalities will be jailed by the New Year. Who will believe them if this promise goes unfulfilled? Yes, there have been some arrests, but the public wants to see big personalities punished," he said.