00:00the independent commission for infrastructure or ici extends its sincere gratitude to the
00:05chairperson of the committee on government reorganization honorable salvador plato
00:12and to the members of the committee we are grateful for the opportunity to share our
00:16insights and perspectives on house bills 4453 and 5699 at only 57 days old the commission is still
00:26a young institution when it started from scratch one that is faced with the daunting task of
00:33validating close 238 000 infrastructure projects in a time of deep public distrust much is expected
00:43from a commission tasked with investigating projects which have drained billions in public funds
00:50and exposed systemic weakness in our government we believe that given the gravity of this
00:57undertaking the proposed investigative body tasked to examine these projects must be vested with
01:04expanded powers so it can bring those responsible for the anomalous flood control projects to justice
01:11with swiftness and certainty that the filipino people rightfully demand the commission therefore supports
01:19the intent of both house bills to strengthen the proposed body particularly through provisions
01:26granting the power to cite persons in contempt issue old departure orders recover and sequester con sequester
01:34assets prohibit restraining orders and exempt the proposed commission and its members from liability
01:42in the performance of their duties the commission also takes this opportunity to recommend additional
01:49powers that could further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed commission
01:56these additional powers are discussed in the position papers submitted by the ici to the honorable
02:02committee our shared goal is clear to ensure that the proposed commission is fully empowered to deliver its mandate
02:10and ultimately to recover what was taken from the filipino people
02:15and ultimately to recover what was taken from the filipino people
02:17mr chair just a query please how many of the relevant agencies have in fact submitted their respective
02:25position papers because as of uh i think two hours ago only two were provided us these are
02:32for gilg and amlac so i was actually looking forward to the position paper from ici especially from ici and also from doj because i have certain legal
02:48questions that wish to uh clarify from both agencies so i i really want to uh to see already the position papers of both
03:00both agencies especially i'm curious about the mention of of additional powers being recommended and where
03:10we appreciate the fact that generally the ici supports the both bills and in so far as uh certain powers
03:21are being granted to this uh independent commission but
03:30the
03:34uh
03:36uh
03:40uh
03:42uh
03:44uh
03:46uh
03:48uh
03:50uh
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