MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has introduced a bill proposing the creation of an Independent People’s Commission to investigate anomalies in government infrastructure projects. The proposal aims to address rising concerns about corruption affecting public works nationwide.
Senate Bill No. 1215, filed on Tuesday, calls for the establishment of this Independent People’s Commission as a specialized body tasked with scrutinizing government infrastructure projects, ensuring transparency and accountability. Sotto emphasized the urgency of such a commission, noting that corruption is now “seen, heard and felt by the Filipinos more than ever.”
Urgent Need for the Independent People’s Commission
“The failed flood control projects that were supposed to protect the lives, livelihood, and properties of our countrymen, the dilapidated classrooms for our students, and the lack of quality farm-to-market roads to aid our farmers—all are engulfed in corruption, hindering the progress of the nation as a whole,” Sotto said in the bill’s explanatory note.
While several government agencies currently investigate corruption, they do not focus specifically on infrastructure anomalies. Thus, Sotto argued it is imperative to form the Independent People’s Commission, composed of diverse stakeholders to ensure a balanced and effective investigative body.
Composition and Mandate of the IPC
The proposed Independent People’s Commission will include a retired Supreme Court or Court of Appeals Justice as chairperson, a certified public accountant with forensic accounting expertise, a licensed civil engineer or architect, a representative from a reputable non-governmental organization, and an academician specializing in public administration or economics.
Appointments will be made by the President of the Philippines, with members serving a three-year term and potential reappointment. The IPC will have jurisdiction over infrastructure projects implemented by the national government, local government units, and government-owned or controlled corporations.
The commission’s mandate includes conducting comprehensive investigations into all reported and alleged anomalies such as corruption, ghost projects, overpricing, and the use of substandard materials in both past and ongoing projects. It will also identify responsible individuals or entities from both the public and private sectors and recommend filing criminal, civil, or administrative charges against those found guilty.
Context and Implications
Sotto’s initiative comes amid ongoing corruption allegations involving government flood control projects across the country. These issues have prompted separate investigations by the Senate and the House of Representatives, reflecting widespread public concern over mismanagement and misuse of public funds.
Local leaders noted that ensuring the efficient, honest, and transparent use of public funds for infrastructure is a critical step toward safeguarding citizens and fostering national progress. Community members expressed hope that the Independent People’s Commission will bring about meaningful reforms and restore public trust.
“We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently, honestly, and transparently in the construction of all government infrastructure projects,” Sotto added.
For more news and updates on government infrastructure projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
