The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will receive ₱41.5 million in funding for its operations until the end of 2025. According to Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka, the Office of the President has approved the ICI's budget and staffing plan after it ran for almost two months relying solely on volunteers.
Hosaka said the ₱41.5 million will come from the 2025 contingent fund, based on the recommendation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). It will be used for the operations and necessary equipment of the commission until the end of next year.
172 contractual positions for lawyers, accountants, and engineers have also been approved to be part of ICI. Currently, most of the employees are from other government agencies, so their salaries are still from their home offices.
Hosaka admitted that they have not received their salaries since the commission was formed. However, he assured that their work will continue while they await the official release of funds.
The ICI was established in September to investigate alleged corruption in flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Recently, the commission also agreed to open its hearings to the public through online livestreams.
