The House Committee on Infrastructure is expected to revive its investigation into controversial government projects, extending beyond the ongoing flood control probe, as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) nears the end of its mandate.

Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, chairman of the House Committee on Accounts, said hearings were previously paused to allow the newly established ICI, created under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., to carry out its mandate.

According to Ridon, they followed the directive of the House leadership to suspend the Infrastructure Committee’s investigation and give way to the work of the ICI.

The congressman further noted that many issues remain unexamined due to the limited lifespan of the ICI, suggesting that the committee could resume inquiries soon.

Projects likely to be scrutinized include farm-to-market roads, super health centers, school buildings, and other infrastructure projects, potentially involving the same contractors flagged for irregularities in previous Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.

“Marami pa namang mga usapin ang hindi pa natin nauupuan, katulad halimbawa ‘yong mga usapin ng farm-to-market roads, usapin ng super health centers at usapin ng mga school guilding projects o iba pang mga opisina ng DOH, DA, DepEd,” the congressman said.

“Gusto natin malaman kung ‘yong mga notorious na contractors sa DPWH ay sumasali din sa mga proyekto sa iba’ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno,” he added.

Ridon added that with the ICI’s term nearing its end, it is now timely to strengthen the proposal in the House to create an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) that would have greater authority to combat graft and corruption cases in the country.