MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday advised the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to talk directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to determine whether it should continue with its task of investigating anomalous flood control projects.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the statement in reaction to the pronouncement made by ICI Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin that he does not know how much longer the fact-finding body would remain in existence given that “the Office of the President has not given any guidance yet.”
“It would be better if they directly talk to the President because right now, the President really doesn’t want to interfere with the activities and work of the ICI since it is an independent body. Whatever their suggestion is, they can give it to the president,” Castro said in Filipino in a Palace press conference.
Marcos previously said that appointing new commissioners following the resignation of former public works chief Rogelio “Babes” Singson and Rosanna Fajardo would largely depend on the amount of work still needed to be done.
The chief executive noted that he is waiting for the ICI to submit its reports and recommendation to him.
“For now, we don’t have any information yet if they already submitted a report. But as far as the fate of the ICI is concerned, the President leaves that to the body itself as an independent commission,” Castro said.
“Whatever their decision is, if they want additional members, they just need to inform the President. They can ask for help so that they can continue their mandate,” Casto said.
Created through an executive order (EO) in September 2025, the ICI’s primary mandate is to investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information on irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.
It is also tasked to conduct hearings, take testimony, and issue subpoenas to witnesses.
