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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI on protesters: 'We're one with them'

ICI on protesters: 'We're one with them'

Published Oct 24, 2025 05:00 pm

At A Glance

  • The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) echoed the sentiment of protesters against corruption and--more importantly--denied any cover-up or intentional delay in its investigation on anomalous flood control projects.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) echoed the sentiment of protesters against corruption and--more importantly--denied any cover-up or intentional delay in its investigation on anomalous flood control projects.
In a statement, ICI said it “hears and understands the public’s call for accountability and justice” against all those involved in corruption amounting to billions in flood control projects.
“The Commission is one with them against corruption,” it said.
Regarding the cover-up that protesters are claiming, ICI said it was committed to fulfill its mandate of gathering evidence and testimonies. It also “meticulously” assesses and verifies all information it receives.
It does all of these while “respecting the Constitutional rights of all resource persons invited", it added.
It says that the body is ensuring first “that all findings are substantiated and capable of withstanding scrutiny in the court of law to prevent dismissal” before referring cases to the Ombudsman.
“Additionally, the ICI publicly announces hearings and discloses the names of individuals scheduled to appear before the Commission,” it added.
As the protesters who attempted to break into its headquarters on Friday, Oct. 24, also wailed of the delay in jailing those involved, ICI defended itself by saying it was barely 40 days old since it was established.
“Our budget approval with DBM (Department of Budget and Management) is still pending, and resources remain limited,” it added.
But despite the multiple constraints, it said, it continues to “move quickly while maintaining thoroughness and accuracy in vetting the reports and data submitted to us".
“The ICI remains steadfast in its duty to uncover the truth, and to ensure that all those accountable are brought to justice under the rule of law,” it said.
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