ICI still functioning, working – Reyes

MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure is still investigating anomalous flood works behind closed doors despite being quiet in recent weeks, according to  ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr..

Reyes, however, continues to sidestep questions about the fate of the fact-finding body. He said he could not speak in behalf of a one-man commission because it would be “awkward” and “unethical.”

“We’re still functioning. We’re still working on these cases, reading them,” the retired justice said on Thursday night at an event organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC).

Asked if he wanted the ICI to continue, Reyes said, “I cannot answer that.”

The ICI chairman was also mum on whether he already met with President Marcos or requested a meeting with him.

Reyes did not agree to an open forum at the MOPC event, but he presented the accomplishments of the ICI since Marcos formed it in September 2025.

The retired justice said he is currently writing a 140-day report to be submitted to the Office of the President that contains “more recommendations” – none of which can be divulged for now.

President Marcos review finished this month

Marcos is not done reading through the 1,000-plus pages of documents that the ICI submitted in its 125-day report two weeks ago.

However, President Marcos is likely to finish his review of the report of the ICI this month, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on yesterday, but could not say whether the Chief Executive would decide on the fate of the probe body.

In its report, the ICI detailed its accomplishments and activities from the time it was created on Sept. 15, 2025 up to Jan. 18 this year.

“And it needs to be studied, analyzed carefully, because this is not just a novel that can be read and can make an immediate reaction to it. So, it needs to be studied carefully so that the President’s decision will be reasonable and correct,” Castro said at a press briefing.

“As far as we know, we will probably know by February (the results of the assessment). But I am not saying that this will also be the time when the President will decide (on the ICI’s fate).”

On Thursday, Reyes said, “You can trust us, we will not abandon our fight against corruption. We will fight to the very end if allowed and we will fight whatever it takes.”

Reacting to Reyes, Castro said “for now, there is no stopping ICI to continue its work.”

Two of its commissioners – former public works secretary Rogelio Singson and Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. country managing partner Rossana Fajardo – resigned last December. — Helen Flores