Metro Manila, Philippines – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) – the body probing anomalous flood control deals – has P41.4 million in operating budget until year-end to fund manpower and logistics, an official said.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 5, ICI executive director Brian Hosaka said the Office of the President has ordered the release of the budget from its contingent fund. He said this will be spent for operations and capital outlay. Since its creation in September, Hosaka said the ICI has relied on volunteer work, while most of the staff was seconded from other agencies. He said the budget will allow the commission to have an organic staff, with the Department of Budget and Management greenlighting the creation of 172 contractual positions such as lawyers, accountants, engineers, and support and administrative staff. “Having the approval of the staffing pattern and at the same time the budget…would be the initial phase. Of course the next would be for us, is to be able to get in a way that staff that we need. Once we get them, we get to hire them, doon na mapapabilis iyan [that’s when we can speed up the probe],” Hosaka said.He said the money will also be used to purchase equipment, especially with the proposed livestreaming of inquiries.
An executive order formed the ICI in September to probe anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds in the Department of Public Works and Highways and related agencies.
