President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has maintained that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has a solid legal basis, even though it has been questioned in the Supreme Court. The ICI, created in September through Executive Order No. 94, is tasked with investigating irregularities in flood control projects.
A high school teacher filed a lawsuit against ICI, claiming it is unconstitutional for allegedly violating equal protection and separation of powers. Marcos said he had expected such petitions and assured that the Solicitor General would defend the government's position.
According to ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka, the commission continues to operate without its own funds, staff, and contempt powers. “We started from scratch, but we are doing everything we can to fulfill our mandate,” Hosaka said. While no funds have been approved yet from the Department of Budget and Management, they are relying on temporary government funding.
Hosaka also said that the ICI remains independent even though its members are appointed by the President. They are collaborating with various agencies such as the Public Attorney’s Office to expedite the case against those involved in the anomaly.
Marcos is not worried about the upcoming anti-corruption rally on November 30, but he stressed that they will be on the lookout for “agitators” who could cause trouble. He added that the government has regained investor confidence due to the anti-corruption campaign, and he is confident that the country’s budget will be “clean” next year.
