Senate Office of the Secretare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE / REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 AUG 19 P2:44 First Regular Session S.B. VAI515 RECEIVED BY: INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III AN ACT CREATING AN INDEPENDENT PEOPLE'S COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE ANOMALIES IN ALL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Corruption is now seen, heard and felt by the Filipinos more than ever. The failed flood control projects that supposed to protect the lives, livelihood and properties of our countrymen, the dilapidated classrooms for our students, and the lack of quality farm-to-market roads to aid our farmers, all are engulfed in corruption, hindering the progress of the nation as a whole. While there are agencies of government which investigates corruption, they are not specializing nor focusing on anomalies of government infrastructures alone. Thus, it is imperative to have the Independent People's Commission that comprises of different stakeholders for a balance, independent and effective investigative body. We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently, honestly, and transparently in the construction of all government infrastructure projects. In view thereof, immediate approval of this bill is requested. VICENTE C. SOTTO III
Senate Difice of the Seerclarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } First Regular Session 25 AUG 19 P2:44 SENATE S.B. No. 1215 RECEIVED BY: INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III AN ACT CREATING AN INDEPENDENT PEOPLE'S COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE ANOMALIES IN ALL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Infrastructure
Anomalies Investigation Act of 2025."
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. As enshrined in our Constitution, public
office is public trust, and that public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people. The state recognizes that government infrastructure projects inherently involve public interest, as public funds are utilized. Moreover, as a recognized policy in government auditing, all government resources must be safeguarded against loss or wastage through illegal or improper disposition, with a view of ensuring efficiency, economy 10 and effectiveness in the operations of government. Towards this end of ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently, honestly, and transparently in the construction of all government infrastructure, a non-partisan, and independent commission must be established to investigate and recommend measures to address corruption, mismanagement, and negligence in these projects.
Section 3. Creation of the Independent People's Commission. There is
hereby created an Independent People's Commission (IPC), an independent body tasked to investigate anomalies in all government infrastructure projects.
Section 4. Mandate and Scope. The IPC shall have the following mandate:
a. To conduct a comprehensive investigation into all reported and alleged anomalies, including but not limited to, corruption, ghost projects,
overpricing, and substandard materials, in past and ongoing government infrastructure projects including, but not limited to, flood control, school buildings, and roads, whether implemented by the National Government and any of its branches, including local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations. b. To identify individuals and entities, both in the public and private sectors, who are responsible for such anomalies. c. To recommend the prosecution or further investigation by the Ombudsman or the filing of criminal, civil, or administrative charges against those found culpable. d. To formulate and submit to the President and Congress a set of concrete and actionable recommendations for legislative and executive reforms to prevent future anomalies.
Section 5. Composition and Appointment.
a. The members of the IPC shall be composed of five (5) members, namely: i. Retired Supreme Court Justice or Court of Appeals Justice, who shall serve as Chairperson. ii. Certified Public Accountant with expertise in forensic accounting. iii. Civil Engineer or Architect. iv. Representative from a reputable non-governmental organization. v. Academician with a specialization in public administration or economics. b. The members of the IPC shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, with a term of three (3) years, and may be once reappointed. c. To ensure independence and impartiality, the members shall be chosen from a list of nominees submitted by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for the chairperson, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, United Architects of the Philippines, and a recognized national coalition of good governance and anti-corruption non-governmental organizations. Each member shall of good moral character, of unquestionable integrity, of known probity and patriotism, and with recognized competence in their respective fields.
d. In case of vacancies, created by the death, resignation, or removal of any member shall be filled by the appointment of a new member to complete the unexpired period of the term of the member concerned. e. No person who has been previously involved directly and indirectly in any government infrastructure project, whether in a public or private capacity, shall be appointed as a member of the Commission.
Section 6. Powers and Functions. The IPC is hereby granted the following
powers: a. To conduct investigation on anomalous infrastructure projects of the government motu proprio or as recommended by the Commission on Audit, through a verified complaint. b. The investigation must be opened within fifteen (15) days from the submission of the recommendation from COA or a verified complaint, and regardless of the manner of its initiation, shall terminate within sixty (60) days therefrom. c. To issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, records, and other evidence. Failure to comply shall be punishable by law. d. To administer oaths and take testimony. e. To have full and unrestricted access to all government records, including but not limited to, contracts, bidding documents, financial reports, audit reports, and official correspondences related to the projects under investigation. f. To file appropriate charges against government officials and employees who shall obstruct any inquiry and investigation of the IlIC. g. To conduct private and public hearings to gather information, with due regard for the rights of all persons. h. To seek the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency of the government, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to ensure the integrity of the investigation and the protection of witnesses.
i. To recommend to the Department of Justice the grant of witness immunity for any person who provides material information vital to the investigation. j. To promulgate its rules and regulations and rules of procedure as it deems necessary to efficiently and effectively carry out its objectives, within the ambit of the law.
Section 7. Submission of Report. The IPC shall submit its final report to the
President and Congress within thirty (30) working days from the termination of its investigation. The report shall detail its findings, name individuals and entities found culpable, recommend the filing of criminal, civil and/or administrative charges, and provide specific recommendations for legislative and executive action. The report shall be made public immediately upon submission.
Section 8. Appropriation. The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Office of the President. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Section 9. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. - The IPC shall
determine its organizational structure and staffing pattern, subject to the approval of the DBM and consistent with civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
Section 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Section 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,