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Advocates Philippines
Former SC Justice Reyes To Lead Independent New Commission For Infrastructure
Photo credit: SC
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. to chair the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). The commission's main task is to investigate and uncover any wrongdoing in the country's multi-billion-peso flood control projects, which have been plagued by allegations of corruption.
During a recent press briefing at the Palace, the President explained his choice, emphasizing Reyes's sterling reputation. "He has a very, very good record of honesty and fairness and a good record of being able to find justice for those who have been victimized," Marcos said, highlighting Reyes's extensive experience as a jurist. Reyes's career includes stints as a trial judge, an Associate Justice and later Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, and finally, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
A Team of Experts to Tackle Corruption
Reyes won't be working alone. The President also announced the appointment of two other key members: former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson and SGV & Co. executive Rossana Fajardo. Singson's background in public works and Fajardo's expertise in auditing and finance create a well-rounded team to scrutinize the complex projects.
In addition, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will serve as a consultant. Marcos praised Magalong's past work on the issue, noting his experience as a police investigator and his significant contributions to the initial probe. "He had a very, very detailed good report already," Marcos stated, adding that Magalong has been working on this for a while and "can contribute a lot."
A Promise of Independence
President Marcos stressed that the new commission will operate completely independently of his office, promising, “We will not interfere with their work.” He said the ICI plans to meet daily to speed up its investigation.
The creation of the ICI comes as public demand for accountability grows following persistent reports of corruption in various flood control initiatives. The President expects the commission to submit its findings as soon as possible, with the goal of using their recommendations to guide future reforms and improve public infrastructure spending.
During a recent press briefing at the Palace, the President explained his choice, emphasizing Reyes's sterling reputation. "He has a very, very good record of honesty and fairness and a good record of being able to find justice for those who have been victimized," Marcos said, highlighting Reyes's extensive experience as a jurist. Reyes's career includes stints as a trial judge, an Associate Justice and later Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, and finally, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
A Team of Experts to Tackle Corruption
Reyes won't be working alone. The President also announced the appointment of two other key members: former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson and SGV & Co. executive Rossana Fajardo. Singson's background in public works and Fajardo's expertise in auditing and finance create a well-rounded team to scrutinize the complex projects.
In addition, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will serve as a consultant. Marcos praised Magalong's past work on the issue, noting his experience as a police investigator and his significant contributions to the initial probe. "He had a very, very detailed good report already," Marcos stated, adding that Magalong has been working on this for a while and "can contribute a lot."
A Promise of Independence
President Marcos stressed that the new commission will operate completely independently of his office, promising, “We will not interfere with their work.” He said the ICI plans to meet daily to speed up its investigation.
The creation of the ICI comes as public demand for accountability grows following persistent reports of corruption in various flood control initiatives. The President expects the commission to submit its findings as soon as possible, with the goal of using their recommendations to guide future reforms and improve public infrastructure spending.
Sep 15, 2025
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