Senate to pursue Independent People's Commission bill despite president's hesitation

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III affirmed the Senate's intent to pursue the proposed Independent People’s Commission (IPC) despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s apparent hesitation.

Sotto stated that the IPC could continue the work of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) if the latter is dissolved.

His proposed bill for the IPC, filed in August, is currently in its second reading and could be passed within one to two months.

The IPC would possess prosecutorial authority, including the power to issue subpoenas and hold individuals in contempt.

Unlike the ICI, which focuses solely on infrastructure projects, the IPC would investigate all types of anomalies and corruption across various government agencies.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson questioned Malacañang's waning enthusiasm for the bill, emphasizing the ICI's role in providing information for the Ombudsman and DOJ.