Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice disclosed that a member of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is considering resignation due to the commission’s limited authority.
In a privilege speech delivered during Monday’s plenary session, Erice said he personally spoke with the ICI member who expressed frustration over the commission’s inability to enforce its mandate.
Erice urged Congress to pass legislation that would grant contempt powers to the ICI, enabling it to compel cooperation and accountability during investigations.
He emphasized that the member is losing hope, citing the lack of legal tools to pursue infrastructure corruption cases effectively.
According to Erice, without contempt powers, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Office of the Ombudsman might be better suited to lead the probe.
The lawmaker said he and his colleagues will request the bill be certified as urgent and are prepared to call a special session to deliberate on the proposal.
As of this writing, Malacañang has not issued any response to Erice’s statement or the proposed legislative action.