ICI CHAIRPERSON, MEMBERS TAKE OATH, START PROBE INTO FLOOD CONTROL ANOMALIES

HOURS after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday, its chairperson, Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., and its members, Rogelio L. Singson, and Rossana A. Fajardo took their oath of office before Court of Appeals Justice Pedro Corales.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who will serve as Special Adviser to the Commission, was also present during the ceremony.

President Marcos appointed individuals of proven competence, integrity, and deep familiarity with infrastructure, finance, and institutional reform.

With the oath-taking, the Commission formally begins its mandate to investigate irregularities in infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds. The ICI was tasked to investigate flood control corruption within the last 10 years.

In a press conference earlier in the day, President Marcos emphasized the independent nature of the commission.

“In our discussions with them, they also said, ‘May we make suggestions? May we make proposals as to the procedure for bidding for all these contracts para hindi na maulit ito?’ And, of course, I said we’re perfectly open to that. What we really want is to fix the system,” President Marcos said.

The President said he was also very encouraged by his meeting with ICI chairperson, former Justice Reyes, who said the investigation should result in a “fundamental change in the way that we do business.”