Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon, co-chair of the House Committee on Infrastructure, has welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 94, which established the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to scrutinize controversies surrounding flood control and other major projects.
Ridon expressed optimism about the commission’s potential impact, particularly with the appointment of former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. According to him, Singson’s experience and credibility could ensure that long-delayed reforms finally take root.
“Winewelcome po natin ‘yong pong dalawang commissioners na lalo’t higit kasama dyan si former DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson… alam po natin na kaya talaga niyang maglatag ng totoong mga reporma at ‘yong tunguhing pagpapanagot dito sa mga kontrobersiyang bumabalot sa flood control at iba pang proyektong pang-imprastraktura,” Ridon said in an interview over DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan.
However, the lawmaker also voiced caution regarding the inclusion of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who was appointed as a special adviser to the commission.
While he respected the President’s choice, Ridon said Magalong’s prior public statements could cast doubts on the commission’s impartiality.
“Very important po siguro na ireview ng ICI ‘yong mga public statements ni Mayor Magalong para icheck kung may prejudicial statements doon sa particular na proyekto at personalidad na pwedeng maging bahagi ng imbestigasyon,” Ridon explained.
He emphasized that Magalong should inhibit from cases where he had already made strong pronouncements.
The congressman recalled how Magalong, in his earlier role as a vocal advocate against alleged irregularities, had lashed out at legislators handling the issue.
He noted that Magalong once described the House Infrastructure Committee as “anti-moron,” branded its members “criminals,” and accused them of feigning ignorance.
According to Ridon, this history makes it crucial for the commission to draw clear lines on when Magalong should step back. “Hindi po ito general inhibition… kundi doon sa mga partikular na proyekto o personalidad na nababanggit lang niya nitong nagdaan,” he stressed.
As to whether the new commission’s work might overshadow Congress’ ongoing investigation, Ridon said cooperation was not only possible but also necessary. Executive Order 94 itself references both chambers of Congress, giving room for collaboration.
“Bukas naman tayo makipag-tulungan sa ICI patungkol dito para sa mga ebidensya, dokumento, impormasyon na kailangan nila,” he said, adding that Congress is still pursuing unfinished probes, including the Bulacan flood control projects and the so-called “rock netting schemes” in Benguet recently inspected by the President.
For Ridon, the independent commission and congressional inquiries should not compete but complement each other, ensuring accountability in projects long plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
