PAO Deploys Eight Lawyers to Aid the ICI During Transition
The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has announced an eight-lawyer deployment to assist the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as it navigates its transition period. The arrangement, described by the ICI as a critical step in safeguarding legal compliance and governance, is set to begin on October 14 and will span six months.
Structure and Schedule of the Legal Support
Under the plan, the PAO-backed lawyers will serve at the ICI for four days a week and report to the PAO every Monday. This schedule ensures continuous legal oversight while the ICI implements its mandate and policies. The arrangement is designed to offer timely legal guidance on infrastructure-related matters, procurement processes, and regulatory compliance during a phase of organizational realignment.
Purpose and Mandate
According to the ICI, the collaboration with PAO is intended to strengthen a transparent and responsive infrastructure framework—an essential component in nation-building and advancing social justice. PAO’s involvement underscores a commitment to upholding due process, safeguarding public interests, and ensuring that infrastructure initiatives proceed with legal rigor and accountability.
Statements from Leadership
ICI spokesman Brian Hosaka confirmed the arrangement and highlighted the broader context: the PAO lawyers will help meet the legal requirements of the ICI as it executes its mandate. Hosaka noted that the move aligns with a memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary, encouraging full cooperation and support from executive offices and agencies toward the ICI’s objectives.
Significance for Public Infrastructure and Governance
The collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment for both institutions. A robust legal support mechanism can facilitate smoother procurement, contract oversight, and policy implementation within the ICI’s infrastructure programs. By integrating PAO’s expertise, the ICI aims to minimize legal bottlenecks and ensure that infrastructure projects adhere to applicable laws and best practices, ultimately benefiting citizens who rely on reliable, sustainable public works.
What This Means for Stakeholders
For government agencies and contractors involved in ICI projects, the presence of eight PAO lawyers provides an additional layer of legal counsel during negotiations, bidding, and project delivery. It also signals a commitment to transparency and accountability, which can bolster public trust in infrastructure initiatives during a period of transition.
Looking Ahead
As the six-month arrangement unfolds, observers will be watching how this legal partnership influences decision-making, project timelines, and compliance measures within the ICI. The ongoing dialogue between the ICI and PAO may serve as a model for future collaborations where public legal resources are mobilized to ensure that national infrastructure goals are achieved with integrity and fairness.
Justice Andres Reyes, the ICI chairman, expressed appreciation for the PAO’s cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to constructive engagement and lawful governance. The collaboration stands as a tangible demonstration of inter-agency solidarity aimed at advancing a transparent, efficient, and just infrastructure program for the country.
