After years of billion-peso scandals, delayed justice, and public disillusionment, the Philippines may finally be entering a new era in the fight against corruption. The newly formed Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICI) has announced a bold plan — one that could redefine transparency and accountability in government.

In just its first 39 days of existence, the ICI, led by Justice Andres Reyes, has already drawn nationwide attention. What started with only three volunteer lawyers is now gaining traction and momentum, fueled by outrage over an estimated ₱500 billion in corruption losses from public projects — from flood control programs to budget insertions.

But this time, the ICI is doing something no other Philippine anti-corruption body has dared before: livestreaming its investigations.

Justice Reyes confirmed that the ICI’s hearings will be broadcast live starting next week, allowing the public to witness the investigations as they unfold. “Transparency is the foundation of trust,” he declared. “If the people can see how we work, they can also see who’s been hiding behind the system.”

A Public Crusade Against Corruption

The Senate welcomed the move, calling it a “historic step” toward restoring the public’s faith in government institutions. Secretary Babe Singhon, a former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), expressed both shock and relief. Having served six years in the agency, he admitted that the depth of corruption was “far worse than anyone imagined.”

“The system has failed — from top to bottom,” Singhon said, pointing out how the current legal framework makes prosecution “painfully slow and overly technical.” He compared the ICI’s proposed powers to global models like Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) — both known for their swift, fearless enforcement.

To achieve that, Singhon suggested maximizing existing laws, such as the Executive Order 913, which already grants authority for “immediate asset seizure and departure orders” for corrupt officials. He also highlighted the Philippine Competition Commission’s provisions on bid rigging, which impose penalties of up to ₱100 million — tools that could empower ICI to act decisively even before new laws are passed.

The Private Sector Joins the Call

Business leaders are also rallying behind ICI. Apa, Executive Director of the Makati Business Club (MBC), urged that all ICI sessions be public, except in cases where confidentiality is essential to protect due process.

He emphasized that ICI must not just investigate — it must have teeth. “We need an anti-corruption body that can subpoena, cite in contempt, and confiscate illegally acquired assets,” Apa explained. “And it should be able to file cases directly, without passing through the Ombudsman or the DOJ.”

The MBC also recommended expanding the ICI’s size and jurisdiction — not only covering infrastructure projects but also agencies like the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, where corruption has long thrived. For true independence, Apa added, the commission must have fiscal autonomy and security of tenure, with appointments approved by a broad panel, not just the President.

A Citizen’s Cry for Accountability

The strongest appeal, however, came from the People’s Budget Coalition, represented by Professor Kenneth Abante, speaking on behalf of over 40 organizations. Abante voiced the collective frustration of ordinary Filipinos who have seen billions disappear while communities suffer.

He recounted his experience as a flood survivor, describing the anger of knowing that ₱700–₱800 billion worth of flood control master plans and ₱1.7 trillion in related budgets over the past decade had failed to deliver real protection. “The problem isn’t just corruption — it’s betrayal,” Abante said.

He cited staggering figures: ₱828 billion in “congressional insertions” under convergence and support programs, ₱237 billion under local projects, and ₱163 billion for asset preservation from 2018 to 2025 — much of which remain under scrutiny.

“The flood control scandal is just a drop in the bucket,” he warned. “There’s a two-tiered justice system in this country — one for the rich, and another for everyone else.”

Abante called for the immediate passage of the Independent People’s Commission Bill, which would formalize the ICI’s expanded authority — granting it powers of contempt, fiscal autonomy, and proactive disclosure of corruption cases.

Toward a Transparent Future

As pressure mounts, the ICI stands at the crossroads of promise and skepticism. Its leaders face the challenge of proving that their words translate into action — that livestreamed hearings are more than spectacle, and that power will not be misused.

But the vision is clear: a Philippines where corruption is no longer hidden behind bureaucracy, where public officials are held accountable in real time, and where citizens can finally trust that justice is not for sale.

Justice Reyes sums it up best:

“Our mission is not just to catch the corrupt — it’s to rebuild the people’s faith that honesty still has a place in this country.”

If the ICI succeeds, it could mark a historic turning point — a long-awaited reckoning for a nation weary of broken promises, and the beginning of a truly transparent government.