MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday pushed for the establishment of an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) to investigate corruption and anomalies in government infrastructure projects, saying it would ensure accountability and transparency free from political influence.

Speaking at the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights’ organizational meeting and hearing on Senate Bill 1215 or the Infrastructure Anomalies Investigation Act of 2025, Pangilinan said the proposed commission aims to institutionalize an independent body with full authority to probe irregularities in infrastructure spending.

“Nilalayon nito ang magtatag ng isang independent people’s commission or IPC, isang permanente at non-partisan na ahensya ng pamahalaan na nakatuon lamang sa pagsisiyasat ng katiwalian at mga anomalya sa mga proyekto sa imprastraktura,” Pangilinan said.

He explained that the proposed IPC would have “statutory permanence, full independence, and guaranteed transparency and fiscal autonomy” — features that would make it stronger and more protected than the existing Infrastructure Commission of Integrity (ICI), which currently operates under an executive order.

“Ang mga kapangyarihan, istruktura, at pagpopondo ng komisyon ay ilalagay sa batas. Kaya magiging ligtas at protektado ang pondo, polisiya, at pagpapatupad mula sa maaring panghihimasok ng politika,” he said.

Pangilinan said the bill responds to growing public outrage over recent corruption controversies such as the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scam.

He noted that public anger reflects a demand for swift and visible accountability. “Marami ang sumisigaw sa kalye… at sinasabing ikulong na yan—mga kurakot,” he said.

Under Senate Bill 1215, the IPC will be composed of five members jointly appointed by Congress and the judiciary to ensure independence from the executive branch. The body will also be mandated to complete investigations within 60 days and publish its findings within 30 days.

“Ang pagkaantala ng katotohanan ay pagka­it ng hustisya. Truth delayed is justice denied,” Pangilinan said, emphasizing the need for timely disclosure of investigative results.

He added that the measure seeks to transform a temporary, executive-led office into a permanent institution that embodies “functional justice” through transparency and accountability.

“Dahil sa pamamahala, ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging bukas o transparent ay: gumagana ang katarungan,” he said, urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the measure as urgent.