Senator Francis Pangilinan presides over a Senate hearing in this file photo. On Friday (Oct. 24, 2025), he assured the public of the immediate passage of the measure to create an Independent People’s Commission that will investigate anomalies in all government infrastructure projects. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Friday vowed swift action on the proposed law establishing an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) that will investigate corruption and irregularities in all government infrastructure projects.
Despite the Senate’s ongoing budget deliberations, Pangilinan said the measure remains a top priority. He urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify the bill as urgent to fast-track its approval.
“We’re committing to have this sponsored on the floor by the first or second week once the Senate resumes session,” Pangilinan said, emphasizing the urgency of institutionalizing a stronger anti-corruption body.
He also expressed readiness to collaborate with the House of Representatives for the bill’s speedy passage, noting that it will strengthen the existing Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is currently probing the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
Senate Bill No. 1215, authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senators Erwin Tulfo and Risa Hontiveros, seeks to create a permanent, non-partisan IPC empowered to investigate anomalies across all infrastructure projects.
Pangilinan said the proposed commission responds to public concern that the ICI—created merely by executive order—lacks the authority to prosecute or compel accountability from those involved in corruption.
“The people deserve a watchdog with real teeth, not just another committee,” Pangilinan added. “This is about ensuring transparency, justice, and public trust in how every peso of infrastructure spending is used.”