ICI to end operations on March 31 after six months

After six months of operations, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) announced it will end on March 31, 2026, while turning over its evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman. Chairman Andres Reyes recommended winding down, stating the commission has fulfilled its mandate by establishing a framework for investigating infrastructure corruption. Though focused on flood control projects, reports indicate broader work remains unfinished.

On March 13, 2026, the ICI turned over all documents, evidence, and findings to the Office of the Ombudsman, including its investigative methodology to ensure a seamless transition. According to Reyes, the commission functioned as a three-member body for only 90 days due to the resignations of commissioners Rossana Fajardo and Rogelio 'Babes' Singson, a former public works secretary. Singson cited health reasons for leaving, while Fajardo said the commission had done what it could.

During its operations, the ICI made nine referrals covering 65 individuals involved in the massive flood control scheme. It also developed three information systems to detect fraud and provided guidance to the Technical Working Group for Asset Recovery to continue restitution efforts. Reyes stated, 'Within this brief period, the Commission has established the investigative framework and methodology that can now be adopted and replicated by statutory prosecutorial agencies in examining the full universe of anomalous infrastructure projects.'

The ICI was created under an executive order by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2025 in response to the flood control corruption scandal, which involved suspicions of billions of pesos stolen from public funds. In February, it submitted a 125-day accomplishment report to Marcos. However, it faced criticisms for lacking power, resources, independence, and transparency, including from Singson. Although mandated to investigate a decade of corruption across all public infrastructure, most complaints filed by the ICI covered only flood control projects, according to a Rappler review.

On March 11, Marcos said the ICI had completed much of its work and would send information to the DOJ or Ombudsman as appropriate. Pending bills in Congress seek to establish the Independent Peoples’ Commission and the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption, with similar mandates. Per the executive order, the ICI ceases to exist once its mandate is fulfilled.

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News illustration of Rossana Fajardo signing her ICI resignation, leaving three commissioners amid flood project probes.
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Rossana Fajardo resigns from ICI, leaving three members

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Rossana Fajardo has resigned as commissioner of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), effective December 31, 2025, leaving only three officials in the body. This follows the departure of former secretary Rogelio Singson and other members. The ICI will continue preparing final reports for the Ombudsman on irregular flood control projects.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) might last only a month or two. However, ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. countered that the commission is set for two years of operation. The controversy stems from recent statements about the commission's powers and future.

Reported by AI

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) ceased operations after submitting its confidential final report. Malacañang maintained that President Marcos has not forgotten the fight against corruption in flood control projects. The Department of Justice reported recovering over P611 million from anomalous projects.

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.

Reported by AI

In the latest on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) crisis, former adviser Benjamin Magalong doubts replacements can be found for resigned commissioners, while Malacañang holds off amid congressional push for a permanent body.

Amid the flood control corruption probe, House Speaker Bojie Dy urged members to unite and restore public trust. Actions continue against lawmakers implicated in the scandal. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended charges against eight congress members.

Reported by AI

A criminology expert appeals to prosecutors to use Department Circular No. 20 to actively investigate and convict corrupt officials in flood control projects. This is part of broader efforts against infrastructure corruption that has caused significant harm to Filipinos' lives. Such action is crucial to break the cycle of impunity.

 

 

 

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