Palace Speaks on ICI Budget for 2025 amid the Flood Control Investigation
ICI BUDGET – Malacañang revealed the fund for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for 2025.
The flood control investigation is currently ongoing. The probe is led by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or more popularly known as the ICI. It is a three-member body formed under the executive order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The ICI is led by former Justice Andres Reyes Jr. Its members were Rossana Fajardo and Rogelio Singson, a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief. However, ICI member Rogelio Singson recently resigned citing the stressful work in the commission.
The independent commission has the power to move for the seizure of the assets linked to anomalies as well as the issuance of subpoena. However, it does not have the authority to cite in contempt individuals who will not appear before the commission.
Amid the flood control investigation, several individuals even called for more power for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Previously, it was reported that the ICI operates without budget and it relies on the contingent funds while waiting the approval of its budget.
“We started from zero, no machinery, no staffing and no budget, but we are doing the best we can despite these limitations. We know what the people expect from us. We’re also not happy with what’s happening, but we will deliver on our mandate,” ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka said then.
Recently, Malacañang confirmed that the ICI budget is now with the commission. Based on a report on GMA News, Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro revealed that the commission was given a P41-million fund for 2025.
According to the Malacañang official, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the ICI budget in September. It was an initial funding.
However, based on the report, Atty. Claire Castro disclosed that there was a delay in the implementation of the ICI budget then. According to her, there was also a delay in the disbursement system but she assured that the fund is now with the commission.
“Ang natatangi lamang po siguro nagkaroon ng konting delay ay iyong pag-i-implement po… at iyong modified disbursement system. At ngayon po ay maitatanong po natin, iyong pondo po ay nasa kanila na,” the Palace official said.
Several government officials accepted the invitation of the commission for its hearing. However, Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte recently declined the ICI investigation and called it as allegedly a “tool” of Marcos Jr.