Marcos: ICI is ‘coming toward the end’ ~ HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS

Friday, January 16, 2026

Marcos: ICI is ‘coming toward the end’

Friday, January 16, 2026 Herbert Curia - Promoter No comments

From the Website of INQUIRER
links https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2168883/marcos-ici-is-coming-toward-the-end

Marcos: ICI is ‘coming toward the end’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is “coming toward the end,” noting that appointing new commissioners will depend on how much work the superbody has left.

In a chance interview in Mandaluyong City, Marcos was asked about the next steps for the ICI, which now has only one commissioner.

“It depends on how much work they still have left. If their work is finished, we will see what they can do next,” he said.

“But they really are coming toward the end. Everything that needed to be investigated has already been investigated—maybe there are one or two other loose ends that they have to clear up,” he added.

Marcos said no decision has been made yet on appointing new commissioners.

“If needed, then we will [appoint them], but if the work is done and all information has been submitted to the DOJ (Department of Justice) and Ombudsman, then the focus of the investigation will now shift to the DOJ and Ombudsman,” he said.

Established by Marcos in September 2025, the ICI investigates and recommends possible charges against those involved in anomalous infrastructure projects.

The ICI was initially composed of three commissioners: Rossana Fajardo, Rogelio Singson, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., with Rodolfo Azurin Jr. designated as a special adviser.

Fajardo and Singson resigned from the group three months later.

Questions about the ICI’s status arose after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said in December that it might have only a month or two remaining before concluding its investigation into anomalous infrastructure projects.

In the same month, Marcos directed Congress to prioritize the passage of the Independent People’s Commission Act, along with three other legislative measures.

The Act aims to establish the Independent People’s Commission, which will serve as a stronger body than the ICI.

On January 13, Azurin said they would seek clarification from the Office of the President regarding the future of the superbody.

He also noted that, for now, the ICI cannot refer any flood-control cases to the Office of the Ombudsman due to the lack of commissioners.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in recent press briefings, said there is no order yet from Marcos regarding the ICI’s fate.

She maintained that the group can still recommend the filing of cases even with only one commissioner. /mcm