Metro Manila, Philippines – Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said it is time to abolish the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a body created to investigate corruption in flood control and major public works projects, after mass resignations left it unable to function and without clear backing from the executive branch.
Magalong, who resigned in September as a special adviser to the ICI, said the commission had effectively become paralyzed, lacking the manpower and authority to carry out its task.
“The intention was good, but a commission cannot work if it no longer has members and support,” Magalong said in an interview on ‘The Newsmaker.’
“At this point, it is no longer viable,” he added.
His remarks followed sharp criticism from former Senate President Franklin Drilon, who earlier described the ICI as a “dead body,” saying it had ceased to exist for all practical purposes after most of its commissioners stepped down.
Drilon said the commission has been reduced to a single remaining official – former justice Andres Reyes – making it impossible to operate as a collegial body or conduct meaningful investigations.
“It’s not only a lame duck, it has ceased to exist,” Drilon said. “It’s a dead body, it cannot function.”
A number of senior officials have left the ICI over the past year, including former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, who cited health reasons, and Commissioner Rossana Fajardo.
Magalong said disbanding the ICI and strengthening existing institutions would be a more effective way to pursue accountability.
“Anti-corruption efforts should be anchored on strong, permanent institutions,” he said. “Otherwise, public trust suffers.”
