Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday proposed expanding the powers and transparency mechanisms of the Independent People’s Commission (IPC) under Senate Bill 1215. During the Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Sotto emphasized the need for the bill, originally titled the Infrastructure Anomalies Investigation Act of 2025, to include stronger provisions to ensure the IPC is fully accountable, transparent, and empowered to combat corruption across all government sectors, beyond just infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto expressed that in his eagerness to file Senate Bill 1215, he overlooked certain necessary elements which he now seeks to incorporate through several amendments. He proposed making IPC hearings publicly accessible to enhance transparency and bolster public confidence. Additionally, he advocated for penalties against private individuals involved in corruption, not just public officials, by reinforcing Section 4 of Executive Order 94, series of 2025, which established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Sotto further suggested granting the IPC the authority to file cases in appropriate courts or agencies, endorse witnesses for protection, and request asset freezes and preventive suspensions of government officials under investigation. He also recommended that the commission be empowered to suggest hold departure orders for individuals facing probes.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, chair of the committee, stated in his opening remarks that the proposed measure aims to institutionalize a permanent, non-partisan anti-corruption body with fiscal autonomy and statutory authority to investigate anomalies in all government infrastructure projects. Pangilinan noted that the IPC’s jurisdiction would encompass both national and local projects, with investigations to be concluded within 60 days, and findings to be disclosed publicly within 30 days.
