A crucial step towards tackling widespread corruption in public works projects was taken Thursday as a House of Representatives committee advanced a bill to establish a permanent anti-graft body.
The move comes amid growing public outrage and intensifying scrutiny of a massive flood control scandal, reportedly involving billions of pesos. Pressure on lawmakers to act decisively has been steadily increasing.
The proposed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) would be granted significant authority to investigate allegations of corruption, including graft, plunder, and the accumulation of illicit wealth within national government infrastructure projects.
The commission’s composition would be carefully considered, drawing expertise from a retired senior judge, a qualified engineer, a seasoned accountant, a public finance academic, and a representative from a respected non-governmental organization.
While details of the revised bill remain under wraps, the ICI’s mandate is currently slated to conclude in 2028, a provision known as a sunset clause designed to ensure periodic review and accountability.
This legislative action follows a firm commitment from the House Speaker to expedite the bill’s passage, promising “zero delays” in response to the public’s demand for transparency and justice.
