ICI Confirms Order of Marcos Jr. over its Operating Budget, Approval of DBM of Staffing Pattern
MARCOS JR.’S – The Office of the President ordered the release of P41.4 million for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as its initial operating fund.
Countless Filipinos were left dismayed by the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption in the government. Several senators and congressmen were tagged in the issue and the people demand for accountability from those who are responsible over the supposed scam.
Last September 21, thousands of Filipinos joined the so-called “Trillion Peso March” to call for an end to corruption. Many groups also called on Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure that the flood control culprits pay for what they did.
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines, Marcos Jr. ordered an independent commission for the infrastructure probe to be formed. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure or more popularly known as ICI was created. It is led by ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr., a former Supreme Court Justice.
The ICI has already conducted several hearings. It even invited some government officials who were accused of alleged flood control corruption. Among them are Senator Chiz Escudero and presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez. The former House Speaker vowed to extend any help he can for the fast resolution of the matter.
Amid the public clamor, the ICI heed the call to livestream its flood control hearings. However, it refused to release recordings of its previous flood control hearings. Previously, the ICI also claimed that it is operating without budget.
According to ICI spokesman Brian Hosaka, they relied on the contingency funds as they wait for the approval of the operating budget for the commission. Recently, the office of Marcos Jr. approved the release of the operating budget for the commission.
Based on a post of Inquirer on social media, the office of Marcos Jr. ordered the release of P41.4 million budget for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The said amount is an initial operating fund for the ICI for this year.
The exact amount approved by the office of Marcos Jr. is P41,481.000. Based on the post, ICI spokesman Brian Hosaka also said that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) also approved the staffing pattern of the commission.
Moreover, based on the post, the BDM also approved the creation of 172 contractual positions within the commission. Previously, the ICI has submitted a recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman for the filing of charges against some individuals linked to the flood control issue.