President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. released an order, initiating the creation of an independent commission to investigate flood control and infrastructure projects in the country.

On Thursday, September 11, the Malacañang released Executive Order No. 94, creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a separate fact-finding commission responsible for investigating and evaluating evidence, intelligence reports, and information against all government officials and employees, and any other individual involved in anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds concerning the flood control and infrastructure projects nationwide.

Based on the order released, the commission would consist of a chairperson and two members who shall all be persons of “proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.”

Based on its findings, the ICI will recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, and administrative cases or actions against those responsible to the appropriate disciplinary, prosecutorial, and administrative bodies, like:

• Office of the President (OP)
• Office of the Ombudsman
• Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Civil Service Commission (CSC)

The independent body will also have authority to conduct hearings, take testimonies, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses, and the production of documents. They may also obtain information from the Senate, the House of Representatives, and other government agencies upon proper request or representation from the commission.

Moreover, the ICI is required to provide monthly reports to the OP through the Office of the Executive Secretary.

The order was signed on Thursday, September 11, and will immediately take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

It comes amid the Senate and House of Representatives’ ongoing probe into the anomalous flood control projects involving contractors, district engineers, and, allegedly, some government officials.