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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Fajardo's exit from ICI a 'natural flow of things' -- Ombudsman

Fajardo's exit from ICI a 'natural flow of things' -- Ombudsman

Published Dec 27, 2025 11:34 am  |  Updated Dec 27, 2025 01:07 pm
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the exit of Commissioner Rosanna Fajardo from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was a “natural flow of things.”
He described as “quite noble” that Fajardo embraced the responsibility of investigating the massive corruption behind the flood control anomalies.
The ICI was established during the transition of one Ombudsman to another, he said.
Since Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has been appointed, Clavano said “the ICI was quick to relay their referrals for further fact-finding and/or preliminary investigation.”
Clavano pointed out that it has always been a concern for the ICI that its members do not have immunity from suit unlike the Ombudsman who is an impeachable officer.
“Thus, the exposure is high especially for those who head the commission. In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country’s history,” he added.
The Office of the Ombudsman expressed its gratitude to the work done by the ICI and it puts great weight on the commission’s recommendations, Clavano said.
With Fajardo’s resignation, he said the future of the ICI might remain unclear. However, one thing is certain -- the Ombudsman is ready to fulfill its mandate, he pointed out.
“Whether this signals the end or a transition phase of the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman will remain steady in its pursuit of credible and hard evidence, quality cases, and real accountability,” he stressed.
He assured that more cases will be filed in courts and many of them upon the recommendation of the ICI, he said.
The ICI was established on Sept. 11, 2025 through Executive Order No. 94 issued by President Marcos.
Its main task is to investigate the reported misuse of government funds in the implementation of infrastructure projects. It is headed by former Supreme Court (SC) Justice Andres Reyes Jr., with Fajardo, Rogelio Singson, and Special Adviser Benjamin Magalong forming the group’s members.
Magalong was first to leave the ICI last October, followed by Singson earlier this December. Fajardo was the latest to resign, with her courtesy resignation to take effect on Dec. 31, 2025.
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