President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to have confidence in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which Malacañang emphasized can still carry out its recommendatory role even with only its chair remaining, and will not be pressured by public calls to abolish it, the Palace said on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said critics should not preempt the President’s thinking on the commission’s fate while its work remains ongoing.
She added that the President’s primary instruction is for accountability to prevail, without fear or favor.
“Ang nais lang din po ay mapanagot ang lahat, walang sinisino, walang kinikilingan,” she said.
Castro explained that while ICI officials may seek clarification from the Office of the President, the commission is expected to act based on evidence and its terms of reference.
She reiterated that the ICI is an independent body and does not require direction from Malacañang to perform its mandate.
She stressed that Justice Andres Reyes, the ICI chair, may still recommend the filing of cases if evidence is sufficient, noting that anyone may submit recommendations to the Ombudsman.
“Hindi po hadlang na nag-iisa ang chairman para makapag-rekomenda ng kaso,” she said.
Castro added that a quorum is not required for the ICI to recommend cases, as its mandate at this stage is recommendatory rather than adjudicatory.
Asked why no new commissioners have been appointed following the departure of Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo, she said the matter rests solely with the President and declined to speculate.
She clarified that the absence of replacements does not mean investigations have stalled, pointing out that the ICI is not the only body probing alleged flood control anomalies.
Investigations are also being pursued by the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, ensuring continuity of accountability efforts. (Argyll Geducos)
