ICI chair Reyes, Ombudsman Remulla clash over commission's lifespan

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chair Andres Reyes Jr. believes the commission has a lifespan of two years, contradicting Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla's estimate of "a month or two."

Reyes stated the ICI will work diligently until the end of its existence, emphasizing "We will work very hard until whatever is the date of our existence."

The ICI was established by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 11 to investigate allegations of multi-billion-peso corruption in flood control and other public infrastructure projects.

Currently, the commission's powers are limited, focusing on gathering information and submitting referrals to the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Remulla mentioned that the ICI's work would eventually be turned over to his office, as the ICI is not meant to last forever.

Outgoing ICI commissioner Rogelio Singson urged Congress to enact legislation granting the commission greater authority for faster investigations into infrastructure anomalies.