Kiko pushes IPC Law after Singson’s exit from ICI

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the resignation of former Public Works chief Babes Singson from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) highlights the need to pass the Independent People’s Commission (IPC) law.

Pangilinan said even Singson admitted the ICI lacks power, stressing that the IPC must be created to give investigators “more teeth” to handle a highly controversial corruption probe.

As sponsor of the measure, he said the IPC would have subpoena powers, authority to freeze assets, suspend PRC licenses, grant witness immunity, issue look-out orders, and blacklist contractors. It can also enlist law enforcement agencies to aid investigations.

The senator added that stronger powers will prevent “sacred cows” from escaping accountability and help restore public trust once those behind major infrastructure corruption are jailed.

Pangilinan hopes President Ferdinad Marcos Jr. will certify the bill as urgent so it can be passed before year-end.IMT