ICI spox proposes contempt powers for fact-finding body

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) spokesperson Brian Hosaka on Monday proposed allowing the investigative body to exercise contempt powers amid calls to give the fact-finding body more teeth by strengthening its powers and functions.

In an interview over Unang Balita, Hosaka said the ICI currently has the power to issue subpoenas and coordinate with other agencies to investigate anomalous flood control projects.

“Alam naman nating lahat under EO 94 wala kaming contempt powers so malaking bagay kung meron kami ‘yan. Kasi although wala kaming ganyan, meron pa naman kaming ano diyan, remedyo kumbaga,” Hosaka said.

(We all know that under EO 94, we don’t have contempt powers, so it would make a big difference if we did. Because even though we don’t have that, we still have remedies for that, so to speak.)

“We can always go to the courts and file the indirect contempt. But another process pa yan so isa ‘yan sa pwedeng mabigay nila kung gusto nilang gumawa ng batas to strengthen further the ICI,” he added.

(We can always go to the courts and file for indirect contempt. But that’s another process, so that’s one of the things they can provide if they want to create a law to further strengthen the ICI.)

In September, members of the opposition in the House of Representatives filed a bill seeking the grant of contempt powers and an expanded subpoena authority to the ICI.

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Edgar Erice also criticized the ICI, calling it a “paper tiger” due to its lack of sufficient authority to investigate anomalous flood control projects.

On Monday, Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is satisfied with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the ICI, but is still open to suggestions on how to strengthen its power and functions.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro explained that it would be better if the ICI would have more "teeth" as it investigates anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects in the last 10 years.

Meanwhile, Hosaka said the ICI may require officials under investigation to provide the body with a copy of their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth if the ICI sees a need for it. — JMA, GMA Integrated News