MANILA – Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he will formally request President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent Senate Bill 1215, which seeks to establish the Independent People’s Commission (IPC) as a permanent body to investigate irregularities in government projects.

Sotto said the measure would give permanence to the commission earlier created through an executive order by the President.

“While the President’s Executive Order is immediate, my bill ensures permanence. The IPC will not just be a stop-gap measure, it will institutionalize oversight and prevent instances like this from happening again in the future,” he said.

Under the proposal, the IPC will not only scrutinize projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but also those under other agencies with infrastructure programs such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of Education.

“Corruption in projects does not only happen in roads and bridges. It also affects farm-to-market roads, hospitals, and schools. That’s why this bill is important because it protects taxpayers’ money and makes sure projects truly serve the people,” Sotto added.

The Senate leader also welcomed the filing of a counterpart measure in the House of Representatives.

“It doesn’t matter which chamber moves first. Whether House or Senate, what’s important is that Congress acts fast so we can pass this into law without delay,” he said.

Sotto stressed that the IPC will play a key role in restoring public trust, safeguarding public funds, and ensuring that infrastructure projects benefit Filipinos.