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Advocates Philippines
ICI Wraps Up Flood Control Probe; Hands Over Findings To Ombudsman, DOJ, And DPWH
Photo credit: ICI
TAGUIG CITY — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) formally turned over all its investigative documents, evidence, and findings to the Office of the Ombudsman on March 13, 2026, marking a major milestone in its probe into alleged irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
In a statement, ICI Chair Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said the Commission will also provide the same files to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for review and guidance. “With these frameworks and systems now in place, I believe that the Commission has fulfilled its mandate under Executive Order No. 94,” Reyes said.
Key Highlights from the ICI
• Nine referrals covering 65 individuals have been submitted to the Ombudsman for investigation.
• The Commission convened a Technical Working Group on Asset Recovery involving 20 government agencies to trace and recover public funds.
• Three information systems were initiated to detect fraud and other irregularities in infrastructure projects.
• The Commission developed a detailed investigative framework and methodology that can now be adopted by statutory prosecutorial agencies.
Despite functioning as a collegial body for only 90 days following the resignation of its two commissioners, the ICI said its work has laid the foundation for continued investigations and potential prosecutions, as well as for the recovery of misused public funds.
Commission Wind-Down
Reyes recommended that the ICI wind down operations, with the body remaining active until March 31, 2026 to complete administrative closure. The Commission emphasized that its investigative methodologies and findings have been turned over to ensure a seamless transition to the Ombudsman, DOJ, and DPWH.
The ICI also highlighted the ongoing legislative effort to create permanent oversight bodies, including the Independent Peoples’ Commission and the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption, urging Congress to act promptly on these proposals.
Broader Significance
The ICI was established under Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, 2025, amid public scrutiny over alleged corruption and “ghost projects” in government infrastructure, particularly in flood control. Its work helped sift through thousands of projects to identify irregularities for further examination by law enforcement and watchdog agencies.
Reyes called on government agencies to implement the Commission’s recommendations to strengthen transparency, improve coordination, enhance accountability, and prevent future irregularities. “May we always remember that crime does not, and should never, pay. No one is, and should ever, be above the law,” he said.
In a statement, ICI Chair Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said the Commission will also provide the same files to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for review and guidance. “With these frameworks and systems now in place, I believe that the Commission has fulfilled its mandate under Executive Order No. 94,” Reyes said.
Key Highlights from the ICI
• Nine referrals covering 65 individuals have been submitted to the Ombudsman for investigation.
• The Commission convened a Technical Working Group on Asset Recovery involving 20 government agencies to trace and recover public funds.
• Three information systems were initiated to detect fraud and other irregularities in infrastructure projects.
• The Commission developed a detailed investigative framework and methodology that can now be adopted by statutory prosecutorial agencies.
Despite functioning as a collegial body for only 90 days following the resignation of its two commissioners, the ICI said its work has laid the foundation for continued investigations and potential prosecutions, as well as for the recovery of misused public funds.
Commission Wind-Down
Reyes recommended that the ICI wind down operations, with the body remaining active until March 31, 2026 to complete administrative closure. The Commission emphasized that its investigative methodologies and findings have been turned over to ensure a seamless transition to the Ombudsman, DOJ, and DPWH.
The ICI also highlighted the ongoing legislative effort to create permanent oversight bodies, including the Independent Peoples’ Commission and the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption, urging Congress to act promptly on these proposals.
Broader Significance
The ICI was established under Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, 2025, amid public scrutiny over alleged corruption and “ghost projects” in government infrastructure, particularly in flood control. Its work helped sift through thousands of projects to identify irregularities for further examination by law enforcement and watchdog agencies.
Reyes called on government agencies to implement the Commission’s recommendations to strengthen transparency, improve coordination, enhance accountability, and prevent future irregularities. “May we always remember that crime does not, and should never, pay. No one is, and should ever, be above the law,” he said.
Mar 13, 2026
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