A key figure is departing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as the body nears the end of its mission, signaling a shift in the pursuit of accountability for significant financial losses. Rossana A. Fajardo, a country managing partner at a leading accounting firm, has submitted her resignation, effective December 31, 2025.
Her departure follows that of Commissioner Rogelio “Babes” L. Singson, leaving the ICI with a single remaining commissioner, a special advisor, and its executive director. This dwindling team reflects the commission’s planned wind-down as its initial objectives are realized.
Established just months ago through Executive Order No. 94, the ICI was tasked with a critical mission: to investigate multibillion-peso losses stemming from irregularities in government infrastructure and flood-control projects spanning the last decade. The commission was formed to shine a light on potentially deep-seated corruption.
Fajardo stated she feels she has successfully completed the work she initially set out to do, specifically in building robust financial oversight frameworks and directing the crucial evidence-gathering phase of the investigations. Her contributions were instrumental in laying the groundwork for future action.
She believes the investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities are now best suited for established institutions like the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, organizations equipped for long-term legal proceedings. This transition signifies a move towards sustained accountability.
Fajardo also highlighted the potential for even greater impact with proposed legislation to create permanent bodies dedicated to combating infrastructure corruption and fostering public oversight. These future commissions could possess enhanced powers to bolster prosecution efforts.
She expressed deep respect for her colleagues, emphasizing the shared commitment to transparency and accountability that defined the ICI’s work. Serving alongside dedicated individuals was, she noted, a profound honor.
ICI Chairperson Andres B. Reyes, Jr. affirmed that Fajardo’s resignation arrived at a logical juncture, coinciding with the nearing completion of the commission’s fact-finding and evidence-gathering mandate. This timing allows for a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Reyes assured the public that the pursuit of accountability will continue uninterrupted, emphasizing the commission’s current focus on finalizing case files for submission to the Office of the Ombudsman. The evidence gathered will now be placed in the hands of those with the authority to pursue justice.
