Laureates of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards commended the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying it is a “bold and necessary step toward truth and reform.”
“Tasked with investigating corruption and misuse of funds in flood control and infrastructure projects spanning three administrations, the Commission holds the power to restore public trust—if it acts swiftly and without fear or favor,” the laureates said.
One of ICI’s members, former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, was a laureate himself.
“We place our trust in its members: Justice Andres Reyes Jr., chairperson, bringing legal clarity and independence; Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson, TOFIL Laureate and former DPWH secretary, known for reform and integrity; Rossana Fajardo, SGV & Co. managing partner, expert in financial forensics; and Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Special Adviser and Investigator, a symbol of principled leadership,” the laureates said.
“This is not about partisan politics. It is about justice, honor, and the future of our children. It is about turning outrage into reform,” they added.
The laureates called for a “multi-dimensional response rooted in transparency, justice, and stewardship.”
The urged the ICI to immediately suspend all flagged flood control projects “pending independent review not only for financial irregularities but also for compliance with environmental laws, climate resilience standards, and community impact assessments”, a full disclosure of all budget insertions, robust protections for whistleblowers, comprehensive forensic audits and lifestyle checks, the integration of science and evidence-based solutions in all infrastructure and flood control policies, and the expansion of the Commission’s remit beyond flood control to include all public works projects.
Among those who signed the statement are The Manila Times columnists Carl Balita, Felino Palafox Jr., and former Agriculture secretary William Dar, laureates in Education, Architecture, and Agriculture, respectively.
“There comes a moment in a nation’s life when silence is no longer an option. That moment is now… The floods ravaging our communities are not just natural disasters. They are the consequence of broken systems, breached trust, and corruption that diverts life-saving resources into private pockets. Beneath the rising waters lie shattered homes, lost lives and livelihoods, suspended classes, and food production compromised. But deeper still runs a current of greed that threatens the very soul of our Republic,” the laureates said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We call on every Filipino — young and old, rich and poor, public servant and private citizen — to rise with courage and integrity. Let us not be bystanders. Let us be builders of a nation reborn in transparency and honor,” they added.
