MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman is prepared to take over the tasks of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) should the commission cease operations following the resignations of two commissioners and an adviser, assistant ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

Clavano described the resignations, including that of Commissioner Rossana Fajardo effective December 31, as “a natural flow of things.” He called it “quite noble” that private individuals took on the challenging task of investigating the massive corruption behind the flood control anomalies.

“The ICI was established during the transition from one ombudsman to another to ensure quick and reliable fact-finding and investigation,” Clavano said. “Since Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has been appointed, the ICI was quick to relay their referrals for further fact-finding and/or preliminary investigation.”

Clavano noted that ICI members face high exposure as they do not have immunity from suit, unlike the Ombudsman, an impeachable officer. “In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country’s history,” he added.

Fajardo’s resignation leaves the ICI with three officials: chairman Andres Reyes Jr., special adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr., and executive director Brian Keith Hosaka. Clavano said the Ombudsman values the ICI’s work and places “plenty of weight on their recommendations.”

“Whether this signals the end or a transition phase of the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman will remain steady in its pursuit of credible and hard evidence, quality cases, and real accountability,” Clavano said. “It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court – many upon the recommendation of the ICI.”

The ICI was established on September 11, 2025, through Executive Order No. 94 issued by President Marcos to investigate alleged misuse of government funds in infrastructure projects. Former SC Justice Andres Reyes Jr. heads the commission, with Fajardo, former DPWH chief Rogelio Singson, and Special Adviser Benjamin Magalong forming the initial group. Magalong resigned in October, Singson in early December, and Fajardo’s resignation takes effect December 31, 2025.