President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ordered its creation, admitted yesterday the life of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was “coming toward the end.”
“Well, it depends on how much work they still have left. If it finishes its task, then we will see what they can do next,” said Marcos in an interview on the sidelines of Globe’s and Starlink’s ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
“But they really are coming toward the end. Everything that needed to be investigated has been investigated. Maybe there are one or two loose ends they have to clear up,” the President added.
Asked if there would be an appointment of ICI commissioners, he said that has not been decided.
“Again, it all depends on the work the ICI still has in front of it. If it is still needed, then we will. But if the work is done, if all the information has been handed to the DoJ and the Ombudsman, then the focus of the investigation will go to the DoJ and the Ombudsman,” Marcos said.
Diminished body
The ICI on Friday said it can’t resume operations with just one member.
Executive Order No. 94 provides that the commission shall be composed of a chairperson and two members.
As a collegial body, the ICI may take official action only with the approval of a majority of its members.
“Consequently, following the resignation of its two commissioners, the commission is unable to resume its official operations until a quorum is restored,” the ICI said.
Former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. continues to serve as ICI chairperson, while Commissioners Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo resigned earlier.
With Reyes in the ICI now are its staff, including Executive Director Brian Hosaka and Special Adviser, former national police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
Asked about the possibility of reappointing the resigned commissioners, the President said no decision has been made, noting that it would depend on the commission’s remaining workload.
“We haven’t really decided on that yet. Again, it all depends on the work the ICI still has in front of it,” he said.
The President exposed alleged irregularities in flood control projects in his fourth State of the Nation Address on 28 July last year, delivering the widely quoted remark, “Mahiya naman kayo!” addressed to the public works contractors and officials.