Following recent resignations, including Commissioner Rossana Fajardo's effective December 31, the Office of the Ombudsman is ready to take over the Independent Commission for Infrastructure's (ICI) tasks, particularly the flood control scandal probe. This aligns with earlier signals of the ICI winding down.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano affirmed the Office of the Ombudsman's readiness to continue the ICI's investigations, describing the resignations as a 'natural progression' during the Ombudsman leadership transition from Samuel Martires to Jesus Crispin Remulla. The ICI, now left with only Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr., and Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka after departures including Fajardo, former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, faces potential shutdown.
This follows Ombudsman Remulla's December 5 statement—previously countered by Reyes, who claimed a two-year mandate—that the ICI could conclude operations in one or two months, transferring all cases to his office. Critics, including Ateneo Policy Center's Michael Henry Yusingco, who called the ICI a 'waste of time and public funds' and a recommendatory redundancy, and former IBP president Domingo Cayosa, labeling it 'added bureaucracy,' echo concerns. Rep. Leila de Lima highlighted quorum issues, leaving Reyes effectively solo.
The scenario recalls the Supreme Court's 2010 strike-down of the Philippine Truth Commission. Political strategist Malou Tiquia noted President Marcos in a 'catch-22' over the ICI's setup.
