The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the six-month-old body tasked to investigate anomalous public works projects, will cease operations at the end of March, its chairperson announced.
ICI Chairman Andres Reyes said in a March 13 press statement that the commission will remain operational until March 31, 2026 to complete administrative processes related to its wind-down.
He noted that the ICI has fulfilled its mandate under the executive order that created it in September 2025, transmitting nine referrals covering 65 individuals to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The probe has led to graft and malversation cases against public works personnel, contractors, and former lawmakers Zaldy Co and Bong Revilla.
Reyes acknowledged that the commission functioned as a collegial body for only 90 days following the December resignations of Commissioners Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo.
Despite this, he said the ICI established an investigative framework that could be replicated by prosecutorial agencies.
He expressed hope that Congress would prioritize measures to institutionalize an independent body against infrastructure corruption, a reform identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a priority. (ZIA LUNA)
