House bill proposes stronger infrastructure corruption body

MANILA, Philippines —  With Filipinos tired of the government’s slow-paced flood control inquiry, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco has filed a bill that grants more powers to a panel tasked with probing anomalous infrastructure deals nationwide.

House Bill 5699 seeks to create the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption.

The ICAIC will have the power to file cases, issue subpoenas and seek preventive suspensions and hold departure orders against officials suspected of corruption.

“We are also giving it power to… apply in court to recover and sequester properties,” Tiangco said.

“In past hearings, we saw the limitations in the powers of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate. They have no power to issue contempt when those issued with subpoenas did not attend,” he noted.

Findings and recommendations of the ICAIC will aid the ombudsman and Department of Justice in case build-up, Tiangco said.

“This is to ensure that cases filed in court will be successfully prosecuted and that convictions will be obtained,” he asserted.

At the Senate, Sen.Francis Pangilinan has filed a bill proposing the creation of an Independent People’s Commission, which will have the power to issue subpoenas and cite in contempt those who ignore the summons.