Statement of Malacañang on ICI Budget amid Ongoing Investigation of Supposed Corruption in PH
Malacañang revealed the budget for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI this 2025 for the flood control probe.
Thousands of Filipinos joined the street protests amid the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption in the Philippines. The so-called “Trillion Peso March” was held last September 21 and November 30. Several celebrities in the Philippine showbiz industry joined the rally as well.
Several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and congressmen were tagged in the flood control mess. Some senators and former senators are also accused of supposed flood control corruption. Amid the issue, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered an independent probe team with the power to move for the seizure of assets and the issuance of a subpoena to be formed for the flood control investigation.
Following the executive order, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure was created. More popularly called as ICI, it is a three-member body led by former Justice Andres Reyes Jr. It has invited several government officials tagged in the flood control mess in its investigation.
Recently, Malacañang spoke on the budget for the ICI amid the flood control investigation. Based on a report on GMA News, Palace press officer undersecretary Claire Castro revealed that the commission was given P41 million as funds for 2025.
According to Atty. Claire Castro, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the SARO or the Special Allotment Release Order for the initial funding of the ICI in September. However, based on the report, the Malacañang press official revealed that the implementation of the budget encountered a delay.
“Ayon po sa DBM, iyong SARO po ay as early as September ay nandiyan na po. Ang natatangi lamang po siguro nagkaroon ng konting delay ay iyong pag-i-implement po… at iyong modified disbursement system,” the Malacañang press official said.
Meanwhile, Castro further confirmed that the P41 million fund for the ICI is already in the hands of the commission. However, recently, one of its members, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Rogelio Singson, resigned from his work in the commission.
According to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Singson tagged the stress from work as one of the reasons behind his resignation. As of this writing, there are still no updates if someone will be appointed to replace Singson as member of the commission.
Recently, the ICI invited Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte to the probe but he declined and spoke against Marcos Jr.