Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will let the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) decide whether to hold public hearings on flood control projects, Malaca±ang said on Tuesday. This development comes as Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that Marcos respects the independence of the ICI.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro noted that the President has expressed his support for the ICI's autonomy. She stated, "Noon pa po sinabi ng Pangulo na itong ICI ay isang (The President has already said the ICI is an) independent commission." Castro added that whatever policies and procedures the ICI decides to implement, the President will respect and will not interfere, highlighting the commission's status as an independent body or commission.

Castro's statement emerged amidst increasing calls for public hearings by the ICI to ensure transparency and accountability. Executive Order (EO) 94, signed by Marcos on September 11, established the ICI as a fact-finding body tasked with investigating alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and related projects over the past decade.

The commission is chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and includes former Public Works Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson and SGV and Co. executive Rossana Fajardo as members. On Monday, Malaca±ang announced the appointment of former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as the ICI's new special adviser and investigator, replacing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

EO 94 grants the ICI the authority to investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information on irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects. The ICI also has the power to issue subpoenas, endorse the admission of witnesses into the Witness Protection Program, and recommend asset freezes, hold departure orders, and preventive suspensions to preserve the integrity of investigations.