Manila: Commissioner Rossana Fajardo on Friday tendered her courtesy resignation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). In her letter, Fajardo, who was appointed last September, stated that her resignation will take effect on December 31, 2025.
According to Philippines News Agency, Fajardo expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the Commission's mission, highlighting her commitment to transparency and accountability. She noted her efforts in advancing the Commission's objectives, particularly in financial oversight and infrastructure project investigations, where she developed approaches for evidence gathering, prepared work plans, and supervised volunteer investigations.
Her work at ICI included recommending improvements in government procurement and budgeting processes related to infrastructure projects. Fajardo emphasized that she accomplished the foundational goals of the Commission, and now believes that investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities should transition to other agencies like the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Fajardo also mentioned the ongoing legislative efforts to establish the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption and the Independent People's Commission, which would support the Ombudsman's office in prosecuting irregular government infrastructure projects.
According to the ICI, Fajardo's resignation comes at a natural point in the Commission's work. The ICI was established with a specific mandate to gather evidence, establish facts, and propose corrective measures. The Commission has filed eight referrals and cases with the Office of the Ombudsman, excluding joint referrals with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The ICI disclosed that almost 100 individuals, including senators, congressmen, former and current officials of the DPWH, contractors, and a commissioner of the Commission on Audit, are involved. Three cases have been filed by the Ombudsman, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals, including Sarah Discaya, for non-bailable crimes.
