Biz groups urge immediate passage of bills creating anti-corruption body

The Philippines’ major business groups on Wednesday called on both the executive and legislative branches to prioritize the creation of a new independent body that would strengthen the government’s fight against corruption amid the ongoing flood control corruption scandal.

“We, the undersigned Philippine Business Groups, respectfully convey our urgent appeal for the Senate of the Philippines to immediately pass the bill creating the Independent People’s Commission (IPC),” the business groups said in a joint statement.

“Likewise, we urge the House of Representatives to act without delay on the counterpart measure establishing the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC),” the group said.

The business groups also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the bills as urgent.

“Our country urgently needs a far more empowered, broad-based, and truly independent anti-corruption body – one that is equipped with the mandate and authority that the current Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) does not possess,” the groups said.

“A fully empowered IPC or ICAIC will strengthen the capacity of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue corruption cases more effectively and restore credibility to the pursuit of integrity in public service,” they said.

The Senate’s version aims to establish the IPC, an independent body responsible for investigating anomalies, documenting, and recommending measures to address corruption, mismanagement, and negligence in the planning, procurement, and implementation of public infrastructure projects. 

The IPC shall specialize in the technical, engineering, and financial audit of such projects – including, but not limited to, procurement processes, contract variations, right-of-way acquisitions, and project implementation – and shall serve as the primary repository of government infrastructure data. 

The commission shall be granted the power to issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, records, and other evidence. It may also grant immunity to any person who voluntarily provides information vital to the probe.

It may also order the immediate preventive suspension, subject to constitutional limitation, of government officials under investigation. 

Likewise, it may issue temporary closure or revocation orders of permits, business licenses, or registrations of establishments, contractors, or entities found to be responsible for the implementation of anomalous infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, House Bills 4453 and 5699 propose the creation of the ICAIC, giving more powers to the ICI with a term of two years, which can be extended through an amendment of the law.

Both House bills give the ICAIC the power to conduct investigations, cite individuals in contempt, and file administrative cases, among others.

HB 5699, in particular, proposes that ICAIC be given the power to file criminal and/or civil cases, sequester monies, shares of stocks, bonds, titles, and properties accumulated by those involved in flood control and other infrastructure anomalies, including those already transferred to relatives and friends in the country and abroad as well as issue hold departure orders.

The following organizations signed the statement:

• Bankers Association of the Philippines
• Cebu Business Club
• Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
• Cebu Leads Foundation
• Connected Women
• Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.
• Federation of Philippine Industries
• Filipina CEO Circle
• Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines 
• Fintech Alliance Philippines
• Institute for Solidarity in Asia
• Institute of Corporate Directors
• Makati Business Club
• Management Association of the Philippines
• Nextgen Organization of Women Corporate Directors
• People Management Association of the Philippines
• Philippine Association of Securities Brokers and Dealers Inc.
• Philippine Women’s Economic Network
• Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, and
• UP School of Economics Alumni Association 

The business groups issued the statement after Marcos urged Congress to prioritize the passage of the IPC bill and the Anti-Dynasty Bill. 

The business groups noted that the ICI functions “only in an advisory capacity.”

“It may request the presence of resource persons and recommend courses of action – whether the filing of charges, the seizure of assets, or the issuance of hold-departure orders – but it cannot act decisively on its own,” the groups said.

“The proposed IPC or ICAIC, in contrast, will have full investigative and prosecutorial powers,” they added.

Rogelio “Babes” Singson, who tendered his resignation from the ICI, previously lamented the investigating body’s lack of budget and enabling laws that would empower it in the fight against corruption in government.

The business groups said the IPC or ICAIC “will be able to conduct comprehensive probes into allegations of corruption in government projects; file administrative and criminal cases against erring public officials, employees, and private sector partners; and recommend needed reforms in our laws, systems, and institutions.”

“At a time when blatant and widespread misuse of public funds has eroded confidence in our institutions, our nation is confronting a profound crisis of public trust. The Filipino people deserve nothing less than the full truth,” the groups said.

“A truly independent IPC or ICAIC will guarantee transparency and accountability – no cover-up, no sacred cow, no political maneuvering. It will safeguard the people’s money and help rebuild the people’s trust that is essential to a healthy democracy,” they added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News