The Office of the President ordered the release of more than P41.1 million as the initial operating budget for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for 2025, ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka announced in a press briefing on Wednesday.

According to Hosaka, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also approved the commission’s staffing pattern, allowing the creation of 172 contractual positions.

“The Office of the President, acting on the recommendation of the DBM, has ordered the release of P41,481,000 as the independent commission initial operating budget, chargeable to the 2025 contingent fund. This approved budget will cover ICI’s operational requirements and capital outlay until the end of the year.”

“These approvals will definitely enable the commission to now efficiently and effectively carry out its core mandate and functions under Executive Order No. 94,” Hosaka said.

Hosaka also noted that the commission and DBM are currently working on the remaining requirements for the immediate release and disbursement of the funds.

The funding will also support initiatives to increase transparency, including the live streaming and public broadcasting of ICI hearings, according to Hosaka.