President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced on Friday, January 16, 2026, that the investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects is nearing its conclusion. The President stated that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) has almost completed its work, with only a few final details left to resolve.
ICI Investigation Reaches Final Stages
In a brief interview with reporters, President Marcos revealed that the ICI is approaching the end of its mandate. He indicated that the commission has already investigated all necessary matters related to the flood control anomalies. "They really are coming toward the end—all that needed to be investigated, they have already investigated. Maybe there are one or two other loose ends that they have to clear up," Marcos explained.
The future of the ICI itself now hangs in the balance, contingent upon whether any significant tasks remain. "If they finish their work, then we will see what they can do next," the President said, emphasizing that no final decisions have been made regarding the appointment of new commissioners. He stressed that any action would depend entirely on the remaining workload of the commission.
From SONA to Sumbong sa Pangulo
The ICI was established following a major revelation by President Marcos during his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025. In that speech, he disclosed alleged widespread irregularities in the country's flood control infrastructure projects.
To gather evidence from the public, the administration subsequently launched the 'Sumbong sa Pangulo' website. This platform allowed citizens to submit complaints and reports concerning questionable flood control and other public infrastructure projects. All information collected through this portal was forwarded to the ICI for evaluation and formal investigation.
Charges and Arrest Warrants Issued
The commission's work has already yielded significant results. Based on its findings, the ICI has recommended the filing of criminal charges against several individuals allegedly involved in the irregularities.
To date, these recommendations have led to judicial action in at least two major cases:
- Arrest warrants related to irregularities in a P289 million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
- Arrest warrants concerning an anomalous P96.5 million 'ghost' flood control project in Davao Occidental.
President Marcos clarified that once the ICI's work is fully complete and all information is handed over to the proper authorities, the focus will shift. "If the work is done, if all the information has been given to the Department of Justice and the Ombudsman, then the focus now of the investigation will go to the DOJ and the Ombudsman," he stated.
The President's update signals that a pivotal chapter in the government's anti-corruption drive related to infrastructure is closing, paving the way for the justice system to take the lead in prosecuting the cases.
