In her first public comments after resigning from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Rossana Fajardo said undoing entrenched corruption in government would require 'several lifetimes' by removing everyone involved. She shared these observations from her brief tenure investigating flood control scandals at the Philippine Business for Social Progress annual meeting.
Rossana Fajardo, country managing partner of Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. and recently resigned ICI commissioner, stated that eradicating corruption in Philippine government is an immense challenge. Speaking at the 55th annual membership meeting and foundation day of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) on Tuesday, she remarked: "Probably, if you want to correct government or correct corruption, then it would take several lifetimes, because then you would probably need to take out everyone who is part of the system."
Fajardo resigned from the ICI on December 26, 2025, after a three-month tenure probing multibillion-peso irregularities in flood control projects, including cunning tactics by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and politicians. She noted that while budget processes and controls exist, "people do not want to follow certain procedures, certain control points and intentionally override these controls." She described those behind kickback schemes as "very smart."
Her exit followed former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson's resignation on December 15 due to health reasons; he has since joined a technical working group on new projects. During a December 15 hearing, Fajardo had questioned budget discrepancies linked to alleged kickbacks.
Fajardo called on institutions and the private sector to demand greater accountability: "I think it’s time to be more demanding, to be more outspoken and to bring our concerns to the right people, institutions, personalities who can be a voice and really restore integrity and accountability in government."
At the same PBSP event, PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan voiced frustrations over red tape in business, particularly telecoms. Other speakers included Fr. Flavie Villanueva, Cielo Magno, and Manolito Tayag.
In related court developments, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and Christina Pineda pleaded not guilty before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division over a P92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. Arraignments for Arjay Domasig, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Juanito Mendoza were postponed to February 9.
