The Independent People’s Commission (IPC) will move “immediately” and “thoroughly” to hold officials involved in the massive flood control corruption scandal accountable, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said as he defended Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1512.
The measure, tagged as a priority by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., creates a commission with prosecutorial powers—working with the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice—to investigate and file cases swiftly. The IPC will operate only until June 30, 2028, unless extended.
Pangilinan assured the IPC cannot be weaponized, noting citizen participation and a five-member panel composed of private sector reps and experts such as retired justices, Certified Public Accountants, and engineers.
The commission will have broad authority, including issuing subpoenas, freezing assets, suspending contractors, granting witness immunity, and recommending hold-departure orders. Special prosecutorial teams will ensure cases move without delay.
SBN 1512 was filed amid the multi-billion-peso flood control scam that has implicated high-ranking officials.IMT
