Sen. Imee Marcos Speaks on ICI after Resignation of 2 Members
IMEE MARCOS – The Senator claimed that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI is allegedly set to be dissolved by February.
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines wherein several government officials were implicated, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos ordered the creation of an independent commission that will investigate the matter. Marcos Jr.’s order led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or more popularly called as ICI.
The ICI was a three-member body led by former Justice Andres Reyes Jr. It has the power to move for the seizure of assets linked to anomalies as well as the issuance of a subpoena. It has invited several government officials who were implicated in the flood control mess.
Leyte Congressman and former Speaker Martin Romualdez is one of those who appeared before the ICI. He stepped down from the House leadership after he was tagged in the flood control issue. According to him, he wants the independent commission to be able to fully and free conduct its investigation without undue influence.
Amid the continued call for accountability, presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos claimed that the ICI is allegedly set to be dissolved by February 1. Based on a report on PhilStar, she made the claim during a television interview but she did not cite the source of her claim.
Based on the report, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka was asked about the claim of Sen. Imee Marcos over the commission that was created upon the order of her brother, Pres. Bongbong Marcos. According to Hosaka, they did not receive a word from Malacañang.
“We have not received any information or notice regarding this matter from Malacañang,” the ICI executive director said.
Reportedly, the sunset clause of Executive Order 94 which created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure states that the ICI will be dissolved “upon the accomplishment of the purposes for which it was created or unless sooner dissolved by the President.” Recently, two (2) members of the independent commission have resigned leaving ICI chairman Andres Reyes as the sole member of the investigative team.
Previously, following the resignation of two (2) ICI members, Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro claimed that the commission is still working and it works with the Ombudsman which pursues cases against those who are allegedly involved in the flood control mess. The independent commission previously released the names of individuals who are allegedly involved in the flood control issues.