Business groups urge BBM: Strengthen ICI

More than 30 business groups are calling on President Marcos to strengthen the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) by giving it full legal authority to undertake a swift and independent probe into corruption in infrastructure projects.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

“We, the major business organizations representing members across all sectors — large, medium, small and micro enterprises — are cosigning this resolution, urgently calling on your administration to address, without delay, the historic, massive and unprecedented corruption scandal crippling our flood control and infrastructure projects. A crisis that has eroded public trust and now threatens our national security," the business groups said in a joint statement yesterday.

To address the massive corruption issues in flood control and infrastructure projects, the groups urged Marcos to immediately empower the ICI with full legal authority and independence, for a swift and comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities.

Formed under Executive Order 94, the ICI is tasked to investigate irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.

To enhance transparency and accountability in infrastructure programs, the ICI is also tasked to recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil or administrative cases, as well as to propose corrective actions and legislative measures.