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December 27, 2025 | 11:34am
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, made up of Rogelio Singson, Rossana Fajardo and chairman Andres Reyes, start looking into anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects at the DPWH main office in Manila yesterday.
PCO
ALBAY, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman described the transmission of referrals from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as part of a “natural flow,” following the resignation of Commissioner Rossana Fajardo, effective Dec. 31, 2025.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, speaking for the office on Saturday, December 27, said the ICI was created during the transition between Ombudsmen to ensure quick and reliable fact-finding on alleged irregularities, particularly in infrastructure projects.
"Now, with a new Ombudsman ready to take on the task, the ICI was quick to relay their referrals for further fact-finding and/or preliminary investigation," Clavano said.
Fajardo said she was stepping down after completing what she described as the commission’s “foundational goals.”
In a statement on Friday, December 26, she said her work focused on strengthening financial oversight and advancing investigations into infrastructure projects, including developing evidence-gathering frameworks, preparing detailed work plans and supervising volunteer investigators.
These efforts, she said, led to recommendations aimed at improving government procurement and budgeting processes.
Fajardo noted that investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities should now be assumed by agencies with permanent mandates, such as the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Clavano explained that the ICI was never meant to replace constitutionally mandated bodies. He also highlighted the risks faced by the commission, saying that unlike the Ombudsman—an impeachable officer—the members of the ICI have no immunity from suit.
"The exposure is high especially for those who head the commission,” Clavano said, calling it “noble” for private individuals to take on such a daunting task at a pivotal moment in the country’s history.
Despite questions over whether the ICI is nearing its end or merely entering a transition phase, Clavano said the commission’s work remains highly valued and carries “plenty of weight” in ongoing investigations.
"It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court - many upon the recommendation of the ICI," Clavano said.
Fajardo’s exit leaves the ICI with three officials heading into the new year: Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka.
Since its founding in September, the commission has already been rocked by a series of resignations, including former Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser and Commissioner Rogelio Singson.
The developments unfold amid growing criticism of the Marcos administration’s handling of the multi-billion-peso flood control corruption scandal.
Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier vow that officials involved would be jailed before Christmas, only contractor Sarah Discaya and a handful of Department of Public Works and Highways officials have so far been arrested.
