31/03/2026
A Day of Silence, A Call for Accountability
Manila, Philippines — March 31, 2026
With deep concern and a heavy heart, we mark today the final day of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI)—an institution established to uncover the truth behind alleged corruption in critical infrastructure projects, particularly flood control systems that directly affect the safety, security, and lives of millions of Filipinos.
Today was meant to be a defining moment—a day of truth, accountability, and national clarity. Instead, it has become a day overshadowed by silence.
The Final Report of the ICI has already been submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Yet, it is deeply concerning that this report will not be released to the public on the Commission’s final day. The Filipino people—whose welfare, safety, and future are directly tied to these investigations—deserve nothing less than full transparency and disclosure.
We extend our profound gratitude to ICI Chairman Andy Reyes and all members of the Commission for their courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service. Despite operating under severe institutional limitations—without sufficient funding, without contempt powers, without immunity, and without the legislative support necessary to sustain their mandate—they pressed forward in pursuit of truth. These constraints, however, have inevitably limited their ability to fully expose and identify the key architects and masterminds behind corruption, particularly within agencies entrusted with safeguarding national infrastructure.
Even more alarming is the manner in which the ICI concludes its mandate—quietly, without clear directive, and without the institutional support it rightfully deserved. This raises serious and urgent concerns about the future of anti-corruption efforts in infrastructure, especially in projects as vital as flood control systems, where inefficiency and corruption can lead to devastating consequences for communities and the loss of human lives.
The failure to release the Final Report today sends a troubling and dangerous signal—that accountability may once again be delayed, and that the pursuit of truth may be overshadowed by silence.
But let it be made unequivocally clear: the closure of the ICI does not mark the end of accountability.
We respectfully call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to exercise decisive, transparent, and courageous leadership by making the ICI Final Report publicly accessible, including the full transcripts of its hearings and all supporting documents. Transparency is not a privilege granted at convenience—it is a fundamental duty owed to every Filipino.
Most importantly, those responsible must be held accountable.
No position, no influence, and no power should ever place anyone above the law. Public office is a public trust, and any betrayal of that trust must be met with firm and uncompromising justice.
PACC Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza expressed his profound disappointment and grave concern over the silence surrounding the conclusion of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure.
“The Filipino people waited with hope—hope that truth would be revealed, that accountability would prevail, and that those who abused public trust would be identified and held responsible. What we are witnessing today is not merely silence—it is a moment that risks eroding the very foundation of public confidence in our institutions.
Let me be absolutely clear: corruption in infrastructure, particularly in flood control projects, is not simply an administrative failure—it is a direct and dangerous threat to human life, public safety, and national resilience.
Every peso lost to corruption represents more than financial waste—it represents flooded communities, endangered families, compromised infrastructure, and a government that fails in its solemn duty to protect its people.
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) remains steadfast and unyielding in its mandate. The closure of the ICI does not weaken our resolve—it strengthens it. On the contrary, this moment calls for greater vigilance, stronger action, and a more determined pursuit of truth and justice.
We reiterate our firm and respectful call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to release the ICI Final Report in its entirety. The truth must not be hidden behind silence—it must be brought into the light, confronted, and acted upon.
To those who believe they can evade accountability, let this serve as a clear and unwavering warning:
No one is above the law. No one is beyond accountability. No one will be shielded from the consequences of betraying public trust.
This is not the end of the fight against corruption.
This is a turning point—a renewed beginning marked by stronger resolve, deeper commitment, and unwavering determination to uphold justice.”
PACC BOT Member and Spiritual Adviser Bishop Rod Cubos emphasized the moral and spiritual dimension of the issue, reminding the nation of the enduring power of truth and divine justice.
“In moments such as this—when truth appears restrained and justice delayed—we are reminded that while human institutions may falter, divine justice remains constant, sovereign, and unshakable.
The silence surrounding the final report of the ICI is deeply troubling. For when truth is withheld, injustice is prolonged, and the burden of that injustice is carried not by institutions, but by the Filipino people.
The Holy Scriptures remind us in Luke 8:17:
‘For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor anything concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.’
No act of corruption, no matter how deeply concealed, will remain hidden forever. Truth has its own power—it will emerge, it will be revealed, and it will demand accountability.
This moment calls not only for legal action but for moral courage. Transparency is not merely a legal obligation—it is a sacred responsibility before God and before the people.
To those entrusted with leadership, this is a defining test of integrity and conscience. And to those who have committed acts of corruption, this is a solemn call—not only to accountability—but to reflection, repentance, and moral reckoning.
For accountability is not only about punishment—it is about truth, justice, restoration, and the courage to choose what is right.
Let this day not be remembered as the silencing of truth, but as a moment that awakened the conscience of the nation.
For in the end, truth will prevail, righteousness will rise, and justice will be served.”
This is not merely about a Commission.
This is about truth.
This is about justice.
This is about the Filipino people.
Let this not be remembered as the day accountability was silenced—
but as the moment the nation demanded that it be heard louder than ever.