Gomez: ICI shifts focus to final reports, turnover of documents to Ombudsman

Malacañang said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is now shifting its work toward finalizing reports and turning over documents to the Office of the Ombudsman and other relevant agencies for the next steps in the probe into questionable infrastructure projects.

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said this after ICI Commissioner Rossana Fajardo announced her resignation from the body by the end of the year.

In a statement, Gomez said the ICI-established on Sept. 11, 2025 through Executive Order No. 94 issued by President Marcos to investigate the reported misuse of government funds in the implementation of infrastructure projects will continue working and is now preparing to finalize its reports.

"As the Commission continues its work in the coming months, the focus is now on final reports and the proper handover of documents to offices like the Office of the Ombudsman for the next steps," he said.

According to Gomez, Fajardo has completed her mandate at the ICI after finishing the financial forensic review of funds tied to projects under investigation.

'Natural flow of things'

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the exit of Commissioner Fajardo from the ICI was a "natural flow of things."

He described as "quite noble" that Fajardo embraced the responsibility of investigating the massive corruption behind the flood control anomalies.

The ICI was established during the transition of one Ombudsman to another, he said.

Since Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has been appointed, Clavano said "the ICI was quick to relay their referrals for further fact-finding and/ or preliminary investigation."

Clavano pointed out that it has always been a concern for the ICI that its members do not have immunity from suit unlike the Ombudsman who is an impeachable officer.

"Thus, the exposure is high especially for those who head the commission. In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country's history," he added.