Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson urged the government to stay firm in battling corruption in infrastructure projects, pushing for an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) to succeed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Lacson said the ICI, despite limited powers, has already helped the Ombudsman and Department of Justice (DOJ) gather solid information for cases involving massive fund misuse.
He questioned why Malacañang’s support seemed to wane, noting that Congress is following the President’s lead in probing flood control and other project anomalies.
The Palace earlier said the IPC may duplicate work of agencies like the Ombudsman and DOJ. But Lacson stressed the IPC bill—Senate Bill No. 1512—would give needed powers the ICI lacks, including witness immunity and protection. He noted ICI chief Andres Reyes Jr. fears witnesses may face counter-charges due to the commission’s limited authority.
Lacson also pointed out that while the ICI can issue subpoenas, it cannot cite in contempt those who ignore them, citing Rep. Paolo Duterte’s refusal to appear.
“It will greatly help if the House and Senate can pass the bill all the way to the bicam, and if the President certifies the bill as urgent. I believe the Senate President and House Speaker may need to write the President to certify the measure as urgent,” he said.IMT
