ICI open to investigate other infra projects

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will consider looking into other infrastructure projects across the country in light of the powerful earthquake that hit Cebu and left dozens of people dead after they were pinned under collapsed structures.

- JOSEPH PEDRAJAS, DHEL NAZARIO, and JEL SANTOS

"Kung meron man mga impormasyon na maibibigay sa (If there's any information that will be given to) ICI with regard to other infrastructure programs or projects, then we will look into them," ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said in an interview on Thursday, Oct. 2.

According to Hosaka, the ICI is now only focusing on flood controlrelated infrastructure projects since these are the only data and information that they are receiving so far.

However, he noted that the independent body has "the authority" to investigate other infrastructure projects, as stated under Presidential Order No. 94 issued by President Marcos.

"IC kasi talaga, pangalan niya talaga (ICI's name is) Independent Commission for Infrastructure. So that's covered by that," he said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll from the 6.9-magntitude quake that struck Cebu late Tuesday night reached 72.

These included three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, who were playing basketball at the San Remigio Sports Complex when the earthquake hit.

The sports complex was also reportedly to be an evacuation center.

Meanwhile, Hosaka says ICI is now facing challenges in terms of properly organizing the body as "everything is happening so fast".

"It is very challenging for the ICI but we will manage," he said.

He says the body is now creating its team composed of several lawyers, engineers, and accountants "to be able to scour all the evidence received by the commission."

No reply The ICI has confirmed sending an invitation to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to appear in its ongoing probe into anomalous flood control projects but Co has not responded yet.

Hosaka said the body will resend its invitation to Co, as well as to former House Speaker, Leyte 1st district Martin Romualdez so they may shed light on the alleged billion-peso corruption scandal.