MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed members of an independent body that will investigate alleged irregularities in government flood control and other infrastructure projects carried out over the past decade.
In a Palace briefing on Saturday, officials confirmed the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) under Executive Order No. 94. The commission will be tasked to look into suspected anomalies, misuse of funds, and irregularities in flood control initiatives that have drawn public concern in recent years.
Malacañang announced the initial members of the three-person commission. Among them is Rogelio “Babes” Singson, former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the Aquino administration, who brings with him years of experience in infrastructure planning and governance. Rossana A. Fajardo, Country Managing Partner of SGV & Co., was also appointed for her extensive background in auditing, internal controls, and risk management.
Joining them as special adviser and investigator is Baguio City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong. While not a voting member, Magalong is expected to provide crucial input, drawing from his expertise in intelligence work and governance reforms.
The chairperson of the commission has yet to be announced, with the Palace saying the appointment will be revealed soon.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil emphasized that those appointed were chosen for their competence, integrity, and independence, noting that they accepted the responsibility voluntarily and with the commitment to address governance issues rather than protect the status quo.
The commission is expected to begin reviewing documents, intelligence reports, and testimonies related to the projects in question. While officials expressed hope that the probe could be completed “in just a few months,” they also acknowledged that the timeline would depend on the volume of evidence and the complexity of the cases involved.
The creation of the ICI comes amid mounting concerns over alleged misuse of funds in flood control projects, which have long been criticized for poor planning, overlapping contracts, and questionable implementation despite their crucial role in disaster mitigation.
