PAO Sends Eight Lawyers to Assist ICI During Transition
The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has assigned eight lawyers to support the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as it enters a critical transition period. The arrangement, announced by the ICI on Friday, outlines a structured legal aid plan that aims to ensure a smooth handover and enforceable governance as the commission undertakes its mandate.
Details of the Assignment
The eight PAO lawyers will be stationed with the ICI for four days each week and will report back to PAO every Monday. The collaboration is set to begin on October 14 and will continue for six months, providing legal expertise during the commission’s transition phase. This schedule allows the ICI to access timely legal counsel while maintaining accountability to the PAO.
Purpose and Mandate
ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka stated that the PAO lawyers will assist with the legal requirements tied to the commission’s mandate. The arrangement also aligns with a memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary, directing executive offices and agencies to offer full assistance and cooperation to the ICI. The move underscores a broader commitment to building a transparent and responsive infrastructure framework—an essential component of nation-building and the pursuit of social justice.
Impact on Governance and Infrastructure
Authorities emphasize that having PAO legal support is instrumental in navigating regulatory, procurement, and governance challenges that typically accompany major infrastructure initiatives. By embedding PAO lawyers within the ICI’s operations, the commission seeks to bolster legal compliance, enhance due process, and expedite decision-making processes while maintaining public trust.
Statements from Leadership
ICI Chairman Justice Andres Reyes welcomed the collaboration, thanking the PAO for its cooperation. The partnership reflects a shared understanding that robust legal oversight is crucial to effective infrastructure planning and execution. As the ICI moves forward, the presence of PAO attorneys is expected to contribute to more transparent processes and better alignment with national policy goals.
What This Means for the Public
For citizens, the PAO-ICI cooperation signals stronger oversight and clearer legal pathways in infrastructure projects. With legal resources dedicated to the transition, the ICI can more confidently address complex issues such as procurement, contracting, and compliance with national laws. The six-month window provides a critical period for establishing governance norms that can support long-term infrastructure success and social equity.
Looking Ahead
As the transition unfolds, observers will be watching how efficiently the PAO’s legal aid translates into concrete outcomes for infrastructure policies and implementation. The arrangement demonstrates how interagency collaboration—supported by a robust legal framework—can help scale up governance capabilities in a developing infrastructure landscape.
