Erice Calls for Urgent Action on ICI Bill
Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice has urged the House of Representatives to consider a special session if necessary to tackle House Bill No. 4453, a measure aimed at strengthening the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). The proposed bill would grant the ICI contempt powers and expanded subpoena authority, enhancing its ability to probe flood-control projects and related infrastructure concerns.
Urgent Certification and Its Implications
In a privilege speech, Erice asked colleagues to persuade President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify HB 4453 as an urgent measure. A law certified urgent allows lawmakers to approve on second and third readings on the same day, potentially shortening the time needed to boost the ICI’s investigative capabilities amid rising concerns over flood-control project irregularities.
Why the ICI Needs More Teeth
Currently, the ICI, created by Executive Order 94, can conduct hearings, solicit testimony, and gather evidence, but it lacks prosecutorial and contempt powers. Erice highlighted the visible strain within the commission, noting concerns from within that some members may resign due to the body’s limited authority. He quoted an ICI member who warned that, without contempt powers, the agency might be relegated to leaving investigations to bodies like the NBI or the Ombudsman.
The Risk to Public Trust
The privilege speech underscored a broader issue: public trust in the ICI could wane if the commission appears powerless. The member referenced by Erice reportedly fears that the absence of enforceable powers undermines the ICI’s legitimacy in the eyes of citizens who expect decisive action on infrastructure anomalies.
Context: The ICI and Its Role
The ICI was established to scrutinize government flood-control projects for irregularities, in line with its mandate to investigate and evaluate relevant evidence. While the commission can issue subpoenas for witness attendance and document production, it does not currently possess the authority to prosecute or enforce contempt orders—powers considered essential by some lawmakers to compel cooperation and ensure timely conclusions.
What HB 4453 Seeks to Change
HB 4453 would expand the ICI’s authority, including the power to contempt, which would compel testimony and enforce compliance with subpoenas. It would also broaden subpoena authority, enabling the ICI to demand production of documents critical to its investigations. Proponents argue these enhancements will close gaps in accountability and accelerate the resolution of issues surrounding flood-control infrastructure projects.
Legislative Timing and Next Steps
As Congress remains in session through October 13, 2025, Erice emphasized that urgent certification could fast-track the bill’s passage. If lawmakers agree, the House and Senate could approve HB 4453 on second and third readings in a single day, expediting the law’s implementation and enabling the ICI to perform its duties more effectively.
Responses and Next Moves
GMA News Online has reached out to the ICI for comment, amid reports of concern within the commission about its current powers. The government’s handling of flood-control investigations continues to be a topic of public interest, especially in light of past resignations within the ICI and ongoing scrutiny of infrastructure projects.
Why This Matters for Citizens
Strengthening the ICI’s powers could lead to faster uncovering of irregularities, more transparent hearings, and stronger accountability for officials involved in infrastructure projects. For voters, the outcome may influence trust in how public funds are used and how aggressively authorities pursue corrective action when problems are found.
Conclusion
Representative Erice’s push for a special session or urgent certification reflects a broader demand for robust oversight in government infrastructure projects. Whether HB 4453 becomes law will depend on political alignment and the executive branch’s position on urgent certification. The ultimate goal remains clear: empower the ICI to protect public resources and safeguard the future of flood-control infrastructure in the Philippines.
