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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Libanan: Independent commission must be 'highly aggressive' to get desired results

Libanan: Independent commission must be 'highly aggressive' to get desired results

Published Sep 14, 2025 03:41 pm

At A Glance

  • A "highly aggressive" Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is the only to go, if the government truly wants to rid flood mitigation projects of massive corruption.
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (PPAB)
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (PPAB)


A "highly aggressive" Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is the only to go, if the government truly wants to rid flood mitigation projects of massive corruption.
Thus, said House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Sunday, Sept. 14 as he crossed his fingers that that the ICI would be able to deliver in terms of holding all culprits fully accountable and restoring public trust.
“We expect the fact-finding Commission to leave no stone unturned — to follow the money, unmask the perpetrators, and recommend the filing of charges against every official and private contractor involved in the plunder of public infrastructure funds,” Libanan said in a statement.
“This is the only way to end the culture of impunity and make sure that future projects truly serve the Filipino people,” Libanan underscored.
There has been growing public outrage over supposed corruption-ridden flood control projects, where unscrupulous contractors and lawmakers have allegedly pocketed massive kickbacks.
President Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 94 last Sept. 11 to establish the three-member ICI to look into the alleged widespread anomalies in flood control and related infrastructure projects over the past decade.
The President himself is expected to announce the ICI chairperson in the coming days.
“With this Commission, we now have a vital opportunity to restore public trust and ensure that every peso of infrastructure funding serves the public good. We will also work to translate its findings into stronger legislative safeguards to prevent the plunder of public works money from ever happening again,” Libanan said.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Sept. 13 that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo had been named as the two ICI members, while Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong had been designated as ICI special adviser and investigator.
“The creation of the Commission demonstrates that the government is determined to root out corruption in public works without fear or favor,” Libanan said.
The 4Ps solon also welcomed the ICI’s broad investigative powers, including its authority to issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, obtain documents from government offices, and recommend the filing of criminal, civil, or administrative cases against erring officials and contractors.
“The Filipino people deserve transparency and justice. We will closely monitor the Commission’s progress to make sure its work does not stop at reports and recommendations, but leads to real prosecutions and convictions,” he said.
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