President Marcos has tapped three seasoned reformists to take on one of the toughest jobs in government today: rooting out corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects.

The newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed under Executive Order No. 94, will investigate reports of fund misuse and anomalies in projects over the last decade. To ensure credibility, the Palace assembled a team with long careers in public service, finance, and institutional reform — all with reputations for tackling corruption and governance challenges head-on.

Malacañang on Saturday revealed two members and a special adviser who will be part of the ICI. A chairman is expected to be named in the coming days.

Singson’s name is synonymous with reform in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), where he served as secretary from 2010 to 2016. He launched a sweeping “Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Program” to clean up the agency.

Under his leadership, DPWH adopted the “5Rs” mantra — Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality, Right on Time, and implemented by the Right People. He pushed for transparent procurement, brought in independent inspectors, required integrity pledges from contractors and staff, and worked with civil society to monitor projects.

The results were measurable. Social Weather Stations surveys showed a sharp improvement in DPWH’s corruption perception score, while infrastructure spending nearly quintupled. By 2016, most national roads had been paved to higher standards, a turnaround praised by then-president Benigno Aquino III.

Singson also headed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and has long experience managing large-scale infrastructure development. His role in the ICI signals a focus on technical rigor and accountability in public works.

With more than three decades in auditing, risk management, and financial controls, Rossana Fajardo brings the lens of a numbers expert to the commission. She is the Country Managing Partner of SGV & Co., the Philippines’ largest professional services firm, and a certified public accountant with multiple international certifications in fraud examination, IT (information technology) systems control, and risk management.

Fajardo joined SGV in 1988 and became a partner in 2001, rising to hold leadership roles in both SGV and Ernst & Young across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Her expertise spans business transformation, finance and risk, and IT advisory, working with clients in sectors from telecommunications and technology to power, manufacturing, and government services.

She is also an advocate for women in leadership, championing STEM careers for young girls through the EY STEM Girls program and supporting women in technology initiatives.

Fajardo’s experience in tracing financial leakages and tightening controls is expected to be crucial in following the trail of public funds in the ICI’s investigations.

A decorated law enforcement officer turned mayor, Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong brings investigative grit to the panel. Before becoming Baguio City’s chief executive, he served as Deputy Director General of the Philippine National Police and headed its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, where he oversaw sensitive, high-profile probes.

In 2019, Magalong named several “ninja cops” or police officers allegedly involved in drug recycling in Pampanga in 2013 and 2014.

As mayor, Magalong has carried over that reputation for accountability. He institutionalized Baguio’s “People’s Council,” giving civil society groups formal power to participate in governance. His administration also secured ISO certification for city services to ensure process efficiency and transparency.

Magalong has been outspoken about the “cost of corruption,” citing examples of overpriced public works and equipment to drive home how graft burdens ordinary citizens. He has also defended Baguio’s fiscal transparency after questions on city time deposits, vowing accountability in financial management.

Recognized as an “Outstanding Public Servant” by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption in 2023, he has also led initiatives in disaster risk reduction, sustainability, and youth innovation under the city’s “Baguio 2043” vision.

Though serving only as a special advisor to the ICI, his experience in leading investigations and reforms is expected to bolster the commission’s credibility.

The ICI has broad investigative powers — from issuing subpoenas and freezing assets to recommending criminal charges. Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the panel’s independence is guaranteed, noting that none of the appointees are tied to agencies or contractors under probe.

“Walang sasantuhin dito. Kahit kamag-anak, kaibigan, kaalyado — there will be no sacred cows,” she said.