Erice Pushes for a Special Session to Strengthen the ICI
Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice has urged the House of Representatives to convene a special session if needed to pass a measure strengthening the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). The bill, House Bill No. 4453, would grant the ICI contempt powers and expanded subpoena authority as it investigates flood control projects entrusted to the commission by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Erice framed the move as essential for public trust, saying, “This is for our people, this is for our future. I call on us to pass a law that would strengthen the ICI, which was established by the President.”
He continued, “If we need a special session to do this, then we should do it.” His remarks come as Congress remains in session through October 13, 2025 before a scheduled break, signaling a window for potential expedited action if the Senate and House can agree on urgent certification.
Urgent Certification and What It Means
Certification as urgent would allow the House and Senate to approve the measure on second and third readings on the same day. This fast-tracking mechanism is designed to shorten usual legislative timelines in response to perceived threats to public welfare, such as governance gaps in flood control oversight. Erice noted that the call for urgency aligns with a broader push by some lawmakers to empower the ICI to perform its mandate without the procedural bottlenecks that hamper timely investigations.
Concerns Raised by Insiders
During a privilege speech, Erice disclosed concerns from within the ICI, saying a member has hinted at resignation due to limited powers. Erice said he spoke with an ICI member who “appears to be losing hope and is contemplating resigning due to the commission’s limited powers.” He warned that without stronger authority, public trust in the ICI could erode, suggesting that “without contempt powers we might as well just ask the NBI and the Ombudsman to do the investigation.”
The ICI, created by Executive Order No. 94 under President Marcos Jr., was intended to investigate irregularities in government infrastructure projects. While the commission can conduct hearings, receive testimony, and gather evidence, it currently lacks prosecutorial and contempt powers that would compel cooperation or penalties for noncompliance.
Context: ICI’s Role and Limitations
The ICI is charged with investigating issues in flood control projects and related infrastructure. Its authority to subpoena witnesses and demand documents is part of its investigative toolkit, but the absence of prosecutorial and contempt powers has limited its effectiveness in some observers’ eyes. Proponents of HB 4453 argue that stronger powers would help the ICI secure crucial information and enforce its findings, thereby improving accountability and governance in infrastructure programs.
Opponents may raise concerns about separation of powers, potential overreach, or the risk of misuse if the ICI gains broad contempt powers. Supporters counter that clearly defined contempt provisions and oversight can protect due process while enabling the commission to fulfill its watchdog role more robustly.
What Happens Next?
With Congress in session, proponents are pushing for the urgent certification of HB 4453 so the ICI’s empowerment can move forward without delay. The call for a special session, if deemed necessary by leadership, underscores the urgency some lawmakers feel regarding flood-control governance and the integrity of infrastructure projects. As this issue unfolds, observers will be watching for official statements from the Palace about the president’s stance on urgent certification and the path forward for the ICI’s powers.
GMA News Online has sought comment from the ICI as discussions continue. The evolving dialogue around the ICI’s authority reflects broader debates about how best to safeguard public resources and ensure transparent investigations into government infrastructure programs.
