Unaccomplished

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) seems very close to the end of its institutional life.

- ALEX MAGNO

It will leave the scene with its mission unaccomplished.The stage is already set for its inglorious exit. This commission was badly conceived and badly executed. Its brief institutional life will be eminently forgettable.

Yesterday, the long-expected announcement was finally made. Respected auditor Rossana Fajardo tendered what is curiously described as a "courtesy resignation" effective Dec. 31.

The ICI had three commissioners. A few weeks ago, former DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson resigned. No replacement was named for his seat. That alone should have been taken as admission of the ad hoc body's inutility.

Much earlier, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong resigned as the ICI's "chief investigator" after the Palace spokesperson remarked about possible conflicts of interest. In the few days he was with the ICI, Magalong worked feverishly exposing the extent of corruption in the DPWH. Such enthusiasm, it seems, was unwelcome to the powers-that-be.

Magalong was replaced by a former PNP chief who chose to maintain a lower profile. Over the past few weeks, he showed very little enthusiasm for the job.

The ICI is now left with only one commissioner: it chair, retired justice Andres Reyes. From the very beginning, the former magistrate did not demonstrate a clear grasp of what his job was about.