‘The ICI must prove grit — not for
headlines, but for the rule of law.’
IT is time for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to prove it is more than this administration’s showpiece.
After weeks of revelations, reports and witness statements, the pieces are on the table: a flood-control program riddled with missing work, substandard structures, and contractors and legislators and DPWH officials who cornered the lion’s share of the budget.
The public has done its part — filing thousands of complaints through the Sumbong sa Pangulo portal. But information is not justice. That duty now falls to the ICI, and the Department of Justice, the Ombudsman, and the courts to follow through.
President Marcos moved swiftly after his SONA on July 28. He accepted Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s resignation, appointed Vivencio “Vince” Dizon to head the department, and created the ICI.
The new body is led by retired Supreme Court associate justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., a former presiding judge of the Court of Appeals known for fairness and integrity. He is joined by Rogelio Singson, who once reformed procurement practices at DPWH, and Rossana Fajardo, country managing partner of SGV & Co., whose expertise in auditing and forensic accounting will be vital in tracing hidden money trails. Serving as special adviser is Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, former CIDG chief and author of the landmark Mamasapano report, respected for his meticulous investigations and unflinching independence.
Congress, too, has not escaped the storm. Speaker Faustino Dy III now leads the House, replacing Martin Romualdez, a first cousin of President Marcos and among those implicated in anomalous flood control allocations. The Senate turned to Vicente “Tito” Sotto III after ousting Chiz Escudero, who received P30 million in campaign funds from a flood control project contractor. Both chambers have reopened inquiries under their new leadership, promising deeper scrutiny.
The people’s fury is palpable. Civil society and church groups have organized a massive rally this weekend to demand results. But fury alone does not exorcise institutions.
The ICI, through its vital role in the anti-corruption campaign, can transform public outrage into lasting reform. It must show discipline to follow evidence wherever it leads — subpoenaing, auditing, cross-checking bank records, procurement files, and contracts.
Findings must be published with enough clarity that the public can see what was examined and why. Investigations must be locomotive-fast yet meticulous, swift enough to deny sanctuary in delay, thorough enough that verdicts will stand in court.
The ICI must prove grit — not for headlines, but for the rule of law.
And accountability cannot end with jail time. Under the Anti-Plunder Act and forfeiture laws, those who profited must return the money and properties to the national coffers.
