A member of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) reportedly plans to resign and is ‘losing hope’ over the body’s limited authority, Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice revealed, as he urged Congress to pass a law granting the commission contempt powers.
Erice bared this in his privilege speech during Monday’s plenary session, saying he had personally spoken to the ICI member.
‘I spoke to a member of the ICI, who is losing hope and will resign because of their lack of power, especially since our citizens will lose trust,’ the lawmaker said in Filipino.
‘He said that, without contempt powers, we might as well task the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] and the Ombudsman to do the investigation. Let’s request that this be certified as urgent and if necessary, a special session be called,’ he added.
Inquirer has already sought the side of the ICI regarding Erice’s claim, but it has yet to reply as of the posting time.
Earlier, House minority lawmakers also called on the President to certify as urgent House Bill No. 4453, also known as the proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption Act of 2025.
Under this bill, the ICI’s subpoena power extends to all branches of the government, including constitutionally created bodies, as well as private companies and individuals.
It also grants the commission full and unrestricted access to all government records.
The bill, among other provisions, grants the power to cite in contempt individuals who fail to comply with subpoenas issued by the ICI.
Additionally, the ICI under HB 4453 cannot be subject to a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction by any court, except the Supreme Court.