Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday assured the public of the immediate passage of the proposed measure to create an Independent People's Commission (IPC) that will investigate anomalies in all government infrastructure projects. Pangilinan emphasized that this initiative would be prioritized despite the ongoing budget deliberations in the Senate.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify the bill as urgent. He committed to sponsoring the bill on the Senate floor by the first or second week after the Senate resumes session. Pangilinan also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the law that would empower the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is currently investigating a multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

Senate Bill No. 1215, which proposes the creation of the IPC, is authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Erwin Tulfo and Risa Hontiveros. If enacted, the bill will establish a permanent and non-partisan commission to scrutinize all government infrastructure projects. The creation of the IPC aims to address concerns about the ICI's limited authority, as it was established by an executive order, hindering its ability to effectively tackle corruption.