A recent Pulse Asia survey shows that 52 percent of Filipinos support the immediate passage of a law creating a fully empowered body to investigate alleged corruption in infrastructure projects. This proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) would replace the current Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) established by President Marcos via executive order. The poll indicates strong backing in Metro Manila and the Visayas, though support is lower in Mindanao.
The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from December 12 to 15, revealed that 52 percent of respondents agree that Congress should immediately pass a law establishing the ICAIC. Of these, 15 percent "very much agree" and 37 percent "somewhat agree." In contrast, 15 percent disagreed, while 33 percent could not say.
The ICAIC is expected to have stronger powers than the existing ICI, particularly subpoena and contempt authorities, which the current body lacks. Proponents of the bill highlight these limitations as barriers to effectively probing corruption in infrastructure projects.
Support was highest in Metro Manila at 67 percent, followed by 61 percent in the Visayas and 52 percent in the rest of Luzon. In Mindanao, only 35 percent backed the legislation, with 24 percent disagreeing and 41 percent undecided.
The poll involved 1,200 respondents and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent. As part of Pulse Asia's fourth-quarter survey, it offers key insights into public sentiment on government corruption issues.
