President Marcos said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is nearing the completion of its investigation into the flood control scandal, with its future dependent on how much work remains unfinished.

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview in Mandaluyong City on Friday, Jan. 16, the President said the commission has already investigated most of the issues under its mandate.

“We will see what they can do next. But they really are coming toward the end-- lahat ng kailangang imbestigahan, naimbestigahan na nila (They have already investigated what needed to be investigated),” he said.

“Maybe there are one or two other loose ends that they have to clear up,” he added.

President Marcos also said there is no final decision yet on whether to appoint new ICI commissioners following the resignation of two members—Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo.

“We haven't really decided on that yet,” he said.

“Pag kailangan pa (If they still need them), then we will,” he added.

The President said that once the ICI has completed its fact-finding work, the focus of accountability will shift to prosecutorial agencies.

“If the work is done, kung naibigay na lahat ng information sa DOJ (Department of Justice) tsaka sa Ombudsman (If they have already turned over all information to the DOJ and the Ombudsman), then the focus now of the investigation will go to the DOJ and the Ombudsman,” he said.

The ICI was created to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects amid public outrage over recurring flooding and reports of anomalous spending.

In recent days, questions have been raised about the commission’s viability after critics pointed to the lack of a full roster of commissioners.

Malacañang has repeatedly said the President retains confidence in the ICI and that the absence of additional commissioners does not prevent it from recommending cases to the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier said the ICI’s work continues even with only one remaining commissioner, noting that its mandate is recommendatory.