Busan: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said he sought the advice of top legal experts before establishing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is tasked to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Speaking to the Philippine media in Busan, South Korea, which hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, Marcos said he was not surprised that a petition questioning the ICI’s constitutionality was filed before the Supreme Court (SC).
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos acknowledged the novelty of the ICI, noting that it was an entirely new entity, and anticipated questions regarding its legality and constitutionality. “Well, you know, it’s not exactly a surprise. The ICI is an entirely new entity that didn’t exist before, that we are only now completely defining. So, there will be questions as to its legality, its constitutionality,” Marcos stated.
He expressed his readiness to address concerns regarding the ICI’s establishment and noted the government’s preparedness to defend its position. “I was sure somebody would have an idea that maybe it’s unconstitutional or that it’s unlawful. We’ll just have to answer those allegations and we’ll see how the Supreme Court decides,” Marcos added.
The President indicated his intention to review the petition upon his return to Manila, emphasizing the need to clarify the ICI’s purpose and possibly amend its methodology if required. “And we’ll just have to explain what it is we’re trying to do. And maybe the methodology of it is something that needs to be amended. But still, the SolGen (Office of the Solicitor General) will defend our position in the Supreme Court,” Marcos said.
Despite the legal challenges, Marcos expressed confidence in the government’s legal standing, citing consultations with esteemed legal experts before proceeding with the ICI’s creation. “Because before we started even thinking about organizing the ICI, I made sure that I got legal opinions from the best legal minds that I know — basta ‘yung kilala ko talagang napakagaling ang (those I know who have the best) legal mind. So, the opinion that came back was favorable. So I do believe we are on firm legal ground here,” he stated.
The ICI was established through Executive Order 94, issued on September 11, granting it authority to conduct investigations into anomalous flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways over the past decade.