More than 30 business groups have called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen the Independent Commission for Infrastructure by giving it full legal authority to undertake a swift and independent probe into corruption in infrastructure projects.
“We, the major business organizations representing members across all sectors – large, medium, small, and micro enterprises – are co-signing this resolution, urgently calling on your administration to address, without delay, the historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption scandal crippling our flood control and infrastructure projects. A crisis that has eroded public trust and now threatens our national security,” the business groups said in a recent joint statement.
Formed under Executive Order 94, the ICI is tasked to investigate irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects. It is also tasked to recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative cases, as well as to propose corrective actions and legislative measures.
The groups urged Marcos Jr. to immediately empower the ICI with full legal authority and independence, for a swift and comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities.
The groups also urged the President to prosecute all those responsible in the flood control mess, regardless of rank, position, political affiliation, or personal relations.
They also pushed for the immediate implementation of institutional reforms for the recovery of ill-gotten wealth and embezzled funds, as well as to strengthen procurement and oversight systems.
They also pushed for regular public updates on the progress of investigations and reforms, and public disclosure of all audit findings, to demonstrate the government’s commitment and credibility.
The groups cited that they have contributed to national funds through the payment of taxes and fees so they can do business in the country.
Filipinos, business groups included, shouldn’t be begging the head of their government to do something about corruption, because the protections and systems should’ve already been in place to prevent it, as well as to prosecute those who violate the laws against it. But now that the can of worms has been opened, it is up to the President to ensure that the system works as it should, and if it doesn’t, then the necessary reforms must be instituted so this disappointing chapter of our country’s history never happens again.*
