Manila, Philippines — December 5, 2025
Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno is pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 4453, which seeks to establish an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) with genuine powers, including the authority to hold individuals in contempt.
The proposal comes following the resignation of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Babes Singson, an event Diokno says has raised concerns over the commission’s credibility.
“From the start, we pointed out that the ICI is defective. It has weak powers but carries great responsibilities,” Diokno said, emphasizing the need for a stronger and truly independent body to monitor infrastructure projects.
Diokno also called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to immediately appoint a replacement for Singson and to certify the bill as urgent, highlighting the importance of safeguarding public funds and ensuring transparency in government infrastructure projects.