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THE House Committee on Infrastructure has decided to suspend its hearings and hand over all evidence it gathered to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying the commission is in the best position to ensure a full and impartial investigation.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is scheduled to meet with the ICI this afternoon as part of the transition.
According to the committee, the hearings it conducted had already uncovered several key developments:
The resignation of members of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) following allegations of unexplained wealth and “licenses for sale.”
The discovery of ₱1 billion in cash assets belonging to MG Samidan Construction, one of the country’s top flood control contractors.
The release of financial records from 2014 to 2023 of firms linked to the Discaya group, showing revenues that spiked during the Duterte administration and remained high under the current government.
Initial testimonies tying high-ranking executive and legislative officials to ghost and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan, which are also being examined by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
The committee also adopted transparency measures during its proceedings, such as requiring conflict-of-interest disclosures and barring named lawmakers from interpellations.
Moving forward, House leaders said they will draft bills aimed at tightening oversight of public works projects. These include proposals for private sector and civil society participation in inspections and procurement, mandatory disclosure of project proponents at every stage of the budget process, and granting the ICI subpoena and contempt powers.
“The House Infrastructure Committee has full faith in the ICI’s mandate, integrity and competence,” the panel said. “Through its work, we believe the ICI will deliver transparency, accountability and, most importantly, justice.”
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