Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan expressed confidence that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) will gain stronger authority and no longer rely on executive or closed-door sessions once the proposed Independent People’s Commission (IPC) Bill is enacted into law.

According to Pangilinan, Senate Bill No. 1512, which establishes the IPC, will equip the commission with clear legal powers that would prevent the need for repeated executive sessions during investigations.

“Sabi nga...bakit puro executive sessions kasi wala silang matibay na kapangyarihan para sabihing hindi pwede pag sinabi nila na hindi pwede. Hindi naman nila pwedeng i-cite in contempt–wala silang kapagyarihan na magfile ng mga kaso o kaya i-deputize ‘yung pulis para mapa-imbestigahan so talagang kailangan ng dagdag na kapangyarihan,” Pangilinan explained.

According to RH Raymund Dadpaas' report on dzRH's Rapido Hataw Balita, the senator emphasized that the IPC Bill would grant the ICI crucial legal tools, including:

• Contempt powers;
• Authority to freeze assets;
• Ability to file cases, and;
• Power to deputize the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies to conduct probes and make arrests.

“Kung gusto nating maresolba ang mga dahilan sa likod ng malalaking kontrobersiyang kinakaharap natin, kinakailangan nating bigyan ng mas malawak at mas matibay na kapangyarihan ang mga nag-iimbestiga,” Pangilinan added.

Pangilinan said the IPC Bill is expected to be taken up in plenary debates next week, ahead of Congress’ scheduled recess.

“They need more teeth. Kailangan nila ng mas malawak na kapangyarihan para magawa nila yung trabaho nila. Hindi biro yung hinaharap nilang mga issues dahil napakakontrobersal ng kasong ito, napakakontrobersyal ng eskandalong ito,” he said.

The senator also pointed to the recent resignation of former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson as a commissioner of the ICI as proof of the urgency of passing the IPC Bill.

Despite ICI’s move to livestream its hearings for transparency, several public officials have pushed back.

House Majority Floor Leader and Ilocos 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos on Thursday requested an executive session for his questioning, while Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte refused to appear, claiming the ICI proceedings were nothing more than a show.