ICI to end operations March 31 after completing its investigation into alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects, according to officials of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The commission is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman as it concludes its investigative mandate.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a government body tasked with investigating alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects, is set to cease operations on March 31 after completing its investigative mandate. The commission said it will submit its findings and recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman as it concludes nearly six months of work examining potential anomalies in public infrastructure initiatives.

ICI Chairman Andres Reyes confirmed that the commission will remain operational until the end of the month to finalize administrative procedures related to its closure. According to Reyes, the decision to wind down the commission follows the completion of its core responsibilities, including gathering evidence and preparing case referrals connected to the probe.

The commission was established to investigate suspected irregularities in several government infrastructure projects. Its creation was aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability in public works and development initiatives, which involve large public funds and are often closely monitored by regulatory agencies.

Reyes said the commission has completed its mandate in accordance with the executive order that created it in September 2025. During its months of operation, the body reviewed various infrastructure projects and compiled evidence related to possible violations of government procurement and financial regulations.

As part of its work, the commission submitted several case referrals to the Office of the Ombudsman for further legal evaluation. The cases involve multiple individuals connected to infrastructure activities, including government personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders who may have participated in the projects under investigation.

Officials said the referrals could lead to the filing of administrative or criminal cases depending on the outcome of the Ombudsman’s assessment. The Office of the Ombudsman serves as the primary institution responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases involving alleged misconduct among public officials.

Among those mentioned in the investigation are individuals linked to public works programs and infrastructure planning. However, the commission emphasized that its role was primarily to gather evidence and recommend further legal review rather than to determine final accountability.

The probe also examined procedures used in planning and implementing certain infrastructure projects, including procurement processes and financial management practices. Authorities have previously highlighted the importance of transparency in large infrastructure programs to ensure that public funds are properly utilized.

Reyes noted that despite its relatively short period of operation, the commission was able to establish investigative methods and frameworks that may be used by other government agencies in future inquiries involving infrastructure projects. He said the commission developed systems for reviewing contracts, financial documents, and project implementation records.

The chairman acknowledged that the commission operated for less than a year and experienced changes in leadership, including the resignation of two commissioners. Nevertheless, he said the agency was still able to carry out its mandate and complete key investigative steps.

Government officials said the closure of the ICI does not necessarily mark the end of investigations related to the infrastructure projects under review. Instead, the responsibility for further action will now be handled by the Office of the Ombudsman and other relevant agencies.

The commission’s findings are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in public infrastructure development. Analysts note that infrastructure spending represents a significant portion of government budgets, making oversight mechanisms essential in preventing irregularities.

As the commission prepares to conclude its work by the end of March, its final reports and case referrals will serve as the basis for any legal or administrative proceedings that may follow in the coming months.