The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), created to investigate massive anomalies in the government’s flood control projects, is effectively winding down its operations after the resignation of its second commissioner, Rossana Fajardo, effective December 31, 2025.
With only Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr.—a former Supreme Court justice—remaining, the three-member body envisioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a key weapon against infrastructure corruption now stands on the brink of functional collapse.
A Commission in Retreat
Fajardo, who served as country managing partner of accounting firm SGV & Co., announced her departure on December 26, citing the natural conclusion of the ICI’s initial investigative phase. In her resignation statement, she emphasized that “the investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities will now transition to other agencies, such as the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.”
Her exit follows that of former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, who stepped down weeks earlier, citing the “very intense and stressful” nature of the commission’s work and its lack of institutional support.
Critics, including Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal, warn this could signal the end of the ICI altogether. “This can very well be the end of ICI,” she posted on social media, urging Congress to fast-track the creation of a more permanent body—the proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).
What the ICI Accomplished
Despite its short lifespan—less than four months since its creation in September 2025—the ICI has referred eight major cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, implicating nearly 100 individuals. These include sitting and former lawmakers, DPWH officials and engineers, private contractors, and even a current Commissioner on Audit.
The Ombudsman has since filed three court cases based on these referrals, leading to the arrest of 16 persons, among them prominent contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya.
Chairperson Reyes confirmed the commission has also worked with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze over ₱20.3 billion in assets linked to the scandal.
“The Commission remains fully committed to submitting all its final recommendations,” Reyes said in a statement. “The public can be assured that accountability continues, and the process that the ICI began will move toward its proper legal conclusion.”
Political Fallout and Unfinished Business
The flood control corruption scandal—widely considered the biggest crisis of the Marcos Jr. administration—has ensnared high-profile figures, including allies and relatives of the President, such as former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.
One of the most wanted figures, former appropriations chair Zaldy Co, remains at large after fleeing the country. His passport has been canceled, but Philippine authorities have yet to locate him.
While Malacañang acknowledged Fajardo’s contributions, Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that “the investigations continue, alongside other investigating bodies. This administration’s fight against corruption is far from over.”
Still, questions linger over the ICI’s structural limitations—it lacked subpoena powers, struggled with transparency, and depended on erratic budget releases. Its rapid attrition of leadership casts doubt on whether its unfinished work will truly translate into convictions.
What’s Next?
With both Fajardo and Singson gone, and no indication of replacements, the ICI may now operate in name only. All eyes turn to the Ombudsman and the DOJ to carry the torch—amid growing public demand for real accountability before the next rainy season hits.
Balitang Huli, your source for in-depth, unfiltered news from the heart of Philippine current affairs.
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