MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman said the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects will proceed uninterrupted despite the resignation of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner Rossana Fajardo.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Fajardo’s decision to step down does not disrupt the momentum of case buildup, describing the development as part of the commission’s natural progression.
“The Office of the Ombudsman sees this as the natural flow of things,” Clavano said.
Fajardo announced on Friday, December 26, that she would formally leave her post at the ICI effective December 31, 2025. Malacañang later echoed that her appointment was never intended to be permanent, saying her role was “always meant to be temporary.”
According to Clavano, the ICI was formed during a leadership transition at the Ombudsman’s office to ensure that allegations tied to flood control projects would be addressed without delay.
“The ICI was established during the transition from one Ombudsman to another to ensure quick and reliable fact-finding and investigation,” he said.
“Now, with a new Ombudsman ready to take on the task, the ICI was quick to relay their referrals for further fact-finding and/or preliminary investigation,” he added.
ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. also downplayed concerns over Fajardo’s departure, saying it occurred at an appropriate stage in the commission’s mandate. He noted that the body was created with a limited timeframe to collect evidence, verify facts, and recommend corrective actions.
Clavano acknowledged that members of the ICI faced legal exposure, as they do not enjoy the same protections afforded to impeachable officials such as the Ombudsman.
“Thus, the exposure is high especially for those who head the commission. In that context, it was quite noble for private individuals to even take on such a daunting task so significant in our country’s history,” he said.
Despite questions on the commission’s future, Clavano stressed that the Ombudsman continues to rely heavily on the ICI’s findings.
“Whether this signals the end or a transition phase of the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman will remain steady in its pursuit of credible and hard evidence, quality cases, and real accountability,” he said.
“It is only a matter of time before we see more cases filed in court – many upon the recommendation of the ICI,” he added.
For his part, Reyes said the ICI will now concentrate on completing and submitting its remaining referrals to strengthen the cases being prepared for court action.
“To ensure the fulfillment of its mandate, the Commission will now focus on finalizing the remaining items that will be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman in order to strengthen and add to the growing number of cases that will eventually be filed with the courts, and hold those involved accountable,” Reyes said.
“The Commission remains fully committed to submitting all its final recommendations and ensuring that the appropriate institutions — particularly the Ombudsman — have everything they need to bring these cases forward,” he added./PN
