At A Glance
- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is set to conduct its last hearing of the year on Dec. 15, which coincides with the last day of outgoing commissioner Babes Singson.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is set to conduct its last hearing of the year on Dec. 15, which coincides with the last day of outgoing commissioner Babes Singson.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka made the announcement on Thursday, Dec. 11, as he disclosed that the body would continue to focus on the build-up of cases against those involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
"We will continue, the Commission will continue with its hearing... up to Dec. 15. But this would be subject for confirmation by resource persons that will be invited," Hosaka said.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral, one of those implicated in the anomalous flood control projects, is among those invited before ICI concludes its hearings this year. But she has not yet confirmed her attendance, according to Hosaka.
"Nevertheless, the Commission will continue with its case build up, except the fact that the hearings will not continue in the meantime," he added.
Meanwhile, Singson is set to walk away from ICI also on Dec. 15 following his resignation. But that won't necessarily affect the body's work, as Hosaka said "there would still be the chairman and of course Commissioner [Rosana] Fajardo".
"That would be two out of the three commissioners in the ICI," he said.
Another referral might be made before Christmas or as soon as the body finishes its new case build-up, he added. "But definitely, we will know if there's really a need to continue with the hearings regardless of a replacement or not, you will know," he told reporters.
Amid talks for the possible establishment of an institutionalized Independent People's Commission (IPC), Hosaka say the commission is still expecting to operate next year. In fact, they were asked for a 2026 budget.
He maintained that under Executive Order (EO) No.94, ICI will "continue to exist until the purpose for which it was created is achieved".
"Functus officio nga, 'yun ang tinatawag sa (that's how it's called in the) legal term, upon the completion of its mandate, or until earlier dissolved by the President," he said.