Marcos: ICI standing on solid legal ground

But still no funds for infrastructure probe body

BUSAN – President Marcos expressed confidence that the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to probe questionable flood control projects is standing on firm legal ground, days after its constitutionality was questioned before the Supreme Court.

The ICI was formed in September through Executive Order No. 94 and has been given broad powers and functions, including gathering and assessing evidence and reports about possible anomalous contracts and conducting hearings.

A high school teacher recently challenged the legality of the ICI before the high court, saying it violated the constitutional provisions on equal protection and separation of powers.

Marcos said petitions questioning the legality of the ICI are expected.

“It’s not a surprise. Maybe there will be more. We’ll see. And we’ll just have to explain what it is we’re trying to do. And maybe the methodology of it is something that needs to be amended. But still, the solgen (solicitor general) will defend our position in the Supreme Court,” he said over the weekend.

No funds for ICI

The ICI is continuing its probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects despite operating without a budget, permanent staff or contempt powers, ICI spokesman Brian Hosaka said in an interview with One News’ “Storycon” last week.

“We started from zero, no machinery, no staffing and no budget, but we are doing the best we can despite these limitations,” Hosaka said.

“We know what the people expect from us. We’re also not happy with what’s happening, but we will deliver on our mandate,” he added.

Hosaka acknowledged that ICI is still awaiting the approval of its proposed budget from the Department of Budget and Management.

“For now, we rely on contingent funds while waiting for our budget to be approved,” he said.

Despite these hurdles, Hosaka stressed that the ICI’s independence remains intact, even if its members were appointed by the President.

He added that the ICI is working with other government agencies, including the Public Attorney’s Office, which has assigned lawyers to help the body build its cases.

A technical working group has also been formed to focus on both prosecution and administrative remedies for faster case resolution.

Unfazed

The President said the anti-corruption rally slated for Nov. 30, which organizers claimed would be bigger than the previous protests, is not a source for concern.

However, he is worried over “agitators” who intend to cause trouble and harm.

“What demonstrator goes to a demonstration with Molotov cocktails that are not intending to cause trouble or to hurt people? Those are the people that we are worried about. And those are the people that we are watching out for. We have a good idea of who they are,” he said.

Marcos said he is aware that the reason behind the rallies is the outrage over “egregious” and “shameless” projects as well as the dishonesty and abuse committed by people behind them.

“Those funds are supposed to go to people to feed people, to make their lives better. And that all disappear because they’re buying airplanes and buying big mansions. You know, of course they’ll be angry,” he said.

The President also claimed that the investors’ confidence in the government and the economy has been restored because of the ongoing efforts to curb corruption.

“The level of confidence in the Philippine economy and in the Philippine government as the leader and the guider of the economy is restored,” he said.

With the ongoing efforts to cleanse the bureaucracy of corruption, Marcos expressed confidence that the government would be able to come up with “a good, clean budget” for next year.

“Even now, upon resumption of the budget hearings...both the House of Representatives and the Senate have seen a lot of items and we will be able to post savings,” the President said. — Mark Ernest Villeza