Malacañang announced two of the three members forming the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a body created to investigate alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and other infrastructure projects over the past decade.

In a press briefing on Saturday, Sept. 13, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro named former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson as one of the three members of the commission.

Singson, who also served as head of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), was credited with initiating transparency and anti-ghost project systems at the DPWH. Castro said his technical expertise in infrastructure design and implementation would be “essential” for the ICI’s work.

Joining him is Rossana Fajardo, a certified public accountant and country managing partner of SGV & Co. With over three decades of experience in auditing and risk management, Fajardo has worked to strengthen governance and prevent fraud in both public and private institutions.

“She brings the financial acumen needed to follow the trail of public funds and determine where leakages and irregularities may have occurred,” Castro noted.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the commission will be announced in the coming days.

Based on Executive Order No. 94, the ICI will have sweeping investigative powers, including issuing subpoenas, recommending cases, securing contracts and bank records, and coordinating with prosecutorial and disciplinary agencies.

“Karapatan ng publiko na magkaroon ng isang tunay na independent commission (It is the public’s right to have a truly independent commission),” Castro said.

The ICI is expected to begin work immediately and will prioritize projects within the last 10 years.

While there is strong public demand for immediate accountability, Castro said the ICI has no fixed deadline.

“Mas mainam po matapos ito sa loob lamang ng ilang buwan. Pero sa dami ng records na dapat aralin, bigyan po natin ang pagkakataon ang ICI na aralin lahat (It would be ideal to finish within a few months, but given the volume of records, we must give the ICI time to study everything),” she explained.

The commission is mandated to recommend the filing of criminal, civil, or administrative cases once its findings are complete.

In addition to the veteran reformers, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was tapped as special adviser and investigator for the ICI. Magalong is a former Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director general and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, who led sensitive probes and institutional reforms in law enforcement.

Castro clarified that Magalong is not a member of the three-person panel but will provide technical assistance to strengthen the investigation.

The Palace official also responded to concerns about Magalong’s role in the commission, following concerns raised by lawmakers about him having a lot to say about the issue even before the ICI was formed.

She urged the public to give Magalong the chance to prove his contribution to the probe.

“Kung ano man po ang makukuha niya sa pamamagitan ng kanyang effort, maaari niya itong ibigay mismo sa ICI (Whatever he may gather through his efforts, he may submit directly to the ICI),” Castro said.

According to Castro, none of the appointees, who chose to take part in the commission voluntarily, are connected to agencies or contractors under investigation.

“Boluntaryo ang pagtanggap nila sa tungkulin na ito. Hindi sila hinihirang para ipagtanggol ang sistema, kung hindi para harapin ito (They voluntarily accepted this task. They were not appointed to defend the system but to confront it),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that there will be no sacred cows in this investigation, noting that the President himself has repeatedly said those implicated in anomalies will be investigated, regardless of political ties.

Asked if the ICI would intervene in DPWH operations, Castro said the body will not interfere with Secretary Vince Dizon’s ongoing internal reorganization, including his call for courtesy resignations from officials.

Implementation of ongoing flood control projects, she added, will continue unless Dizon recommends otherwise.

Meanwhile, Castro said President Marcos respects the public’s call for accountability amid growing unrest and protests, particularly one set for Sept. 21.

“The President will always respect this freedom of expression,” she assured the public.

“Ang dasal lamang po natin itong kanilang pagsisentimyento ay huwag sanang sakyan ng ibang mga tao na hindi maganda ang naisin para sa gobyerno, kundi mag-destabilize (Our only prayer is that this sentiment not be exploited by others with the indend to destabilize the government),” she said.