Business groups want ICI given legal powers to probe infra corruption

Over 30 business groups urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to grant the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) full legal authority to investigate corruption in infrastructure projects.

The groups highlighted a "historic, massive and unprecedented corruption scandal" that is crippling flood control and infrastructure projects, eroding public trust, and threatening national security.

They called for the immediate empowerment of the ICI with full legal authority and independence for a swift and comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities.

The ICI, established under Executive Order 94, is responsible for investigating irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects and recommending legal actions.

However, Presidential Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the administration has already taken swift action, including the creation of the ICI and the "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website.

Castro also mentioned that the government has frozen assets and issued Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) against individuals tagged in the anomalies, with the President feeling the concerns of businessmen and continuing investigations.