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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson hopeful ICI can bring justice to a nation 'drowning' as result of corruption

Lacson hopeful ICI can bring justice to a nation 'drowning' as result of corruption

Published Sep 15, 2025 02:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson also said he has high hopes with the President's appointment of former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairman of the ICI, noting he is a man of integrity.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday, September 15 expressed hope that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) established by President Marcos will bring justice to a nation that is “drowning” as a result of corruption.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. announces the appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chair of the new Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), in a press conference in Malacañan on Sept. 15, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. announces the appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chair of the new Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), in a press conference in Malacañan on Sept. 15, 2025. (Mark Balmores)

Lacson also said he has high hopes with the President’s appointment of former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairman of the ICI, noting he is a man of integrity.

“I had the chance of meeting him while he was still with the Supreme Court. He has integrity,” Lacson said of Reyes.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chief also lauded the appointment to the ICI of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Rogelio Singson and former SGV managing partner Rossana Fajardo, with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser.

“We are hopeful that they can help bring justice to a nation ‘drowning’ in corruption, no thanks to the insatiably greedy government officials, mostly from the legislative and executive branches,” the senator said.

On Sunday, Lacson welcomed the expanded coverage of the ICI to include all infrastructure projects and not just flood control projects.

He also welcomed the filing of bills both in the Senate and House of Representatives that seek to institutionalize the ICI, complete with all the powers in the mold of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) of Singapore.

Related Tags

Independent Commission for Infrastructure Andres Reyes Jr. ping lacson flood control mess
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