The future of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) depended on the commission’s own decision, Malacañang said Tuesday, citing its mandate as an independent body.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had no plans to intervene in the commission’s next steps, following discussions on whether it would continue or conclude its work.
Castro explained that Marcos viewed any decision made by the ICI as its official position, with the executive branch prepared to provide support only if requested.
Questions were raised about how the ICI could act given its lack of commissioners, with retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. remaining as its sole member, but Castro said the matter still rested with the body.
She said the commission retained the authority to determine how it would proceed, including identifying individuals it considered appropriate to carry out its mandate.
Castro added that if the ICI chose to declare its work completed, the President would respect that decision, noting that Marcos intended to leave the matter entirely to the commission.
However, if the ICI opted to continue its operations and appoint additional commissioners, Castro said it would need to coordinate directly with the President, adding that Malacañang had yet to receive a full report on the commission’s accomplishments.