Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to decide whether to continue its operations or conclude its mandate, Malaca±ang said Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated in a press briefing that the fate of the ICI rests on the decision of the ICI itself.
Castro mentioned that the President respects the ICI's independence and will not interfere in its work, although assistance from the executive branch remains available if requested. She emphasized that whatever decision the ICI makes will be the basis of the President's response.
Furthermore, Castro highlighted that if the ICI requires assistance from the executive, it will be provided. However, the destiny of the ICI and its next steps are left to the ICI as an independent commission. Marcos is awaiting the ICI's complete report on anomalous flood control projects before any further action is discussed.
Castro encouraged the commission to directly communicate with Marcos to clarify concerns and make recommendations related to its mandate. She noted that it would be beneficial for the ICI to speak directly with the President, as he does not want to interfere with their work, maintaining their independence.
She also suggested that it would be advantageous for the ICI to submit a complete report on their accomplishments, facilitating discussions on what the ICI still intends to do. Malaca±ang previously stated that the ICI remains fully operational while completing its work.
The ICI was created through Executive Order (EO) 94 issued in September 2025, with a mandate to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects implemented in the past 10 years. As of December 26, 2025, the commission has filed eight referrals with the Office of the Ombudsman, excluding joint referrals with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) involving nearly 100 individuals. These referrals have resulted in the filing of three cases by the Ombudsman and the arrest of 16 individuals.
