CinemaBravo

Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco has filed a bill seeking to enhance the authority of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), granting it broader powers to investigate corruption in government infrastructure projects.

Under House Bill No. 5699, Tiangco proposes the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC). The measure aims to institutionalize a body that will specifically handle investigations and hearings related to irregularities and controversies in infrastructure development across the country.

“The people demand a mechanism to ensure accountability and transparency in government infrastructure projects, which have been a constant source of corruption,” Tiangco said.

“Naiinip na ang taumbayan. Kailangan na nating bilisan ang aksyon at bigyan ng kapangyarihan ang ICAIC upang mapanagot ang mga may kagagawan ng mga anomalya, hindi lamang para sila ay makulong dahil sa pang-aapi sa ating mga kababayan, kundi para mabawi rin ang kanilang ninakaw,” he added.

(The public is growing impatient. We must act quickly and grant the ICAIC the power to hold those responsible for anomalies accountable—not just to imprison them for exploiting our citizens, but also to recover what they have stolen.)

“When the demand for accountability resonates louder in all walks of life, the government should not simply turn a blind eye. The government must proactively address the public’s demand and ensure that the highest form of accountability and culpability will be imposed,” he further said.

Under the proposed bill, the ICAIC, with the concurrence of the appropriate bodies, will have the power to file cases, issue subpoenas, and seek preventive suspensions and hold departure orders against officials suspected of corruption.

“Sa mga nagdaang hearing, nakita naman natin ang limitasyon ng ICI sa powers nilang mag-imbestiga. Wala silang power to issue contempt kapag hindi nag-appear ang mga naisyuhan nila ng subpoena. Binigyan din natin sila ng power to issue hold departure orders, at mag-apply sa korte para makarekober, at mag-sequester ng properties,” Tiangco said.

(In past hearings, we have seen the ICI’s limitations in its investigative powers. They currently lack the authority to cite individuals in contempt if they fail to appear despite being subpoenaed. We are now giving them the power to issue hold departure orders, file court petitions for asset recovery, and sequester properties.)

“The proposed commission shall serve as a means to strengthen the current ICI’s capacity to effectively and efficiently prosecute cases,” he added.

Tiangco also clarified that the proposed ICAIC will not in any way take over the functions or duties of the Office of the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.

“The commission’s findings and recommendations are intended to assist the Office of the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice, as the case may be, in case build-up and prosecution. This is to ensure that cases filed in court will be successfully prosecuted and that convictions will be obtained. When the public sees that public officials are held accountable, the government can regain the people’s trust and confidence,” he said.

Through House Bill No. 5699, Tiangco seeks to strengthen the mechanisms for transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects, ensuring that corruption is thoroughly investigated and public funds are protected.

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