The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will continue to keep its hearings on alleged irregularities in flood control and other public works projects behind closed doors despite mounting calls for transparency from lawmakers and the public.
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said the commission’s policy ‘remains the same’ even after appeals to livestream or open the hearings to the public.
‘The commission is very much aware of the request and the position of some people asking for more transparency,’ Hosaka told reporters yesterday at the ICI office. ‘But the position or the policy of the commission still remains the same based on the reasons that I already explained before.’
Hosaka reiterated that the ICI prefers to keep its proceedings private to prevent ‘trial by publicity’ and avoid any undue political influence.
When asked if there were any moves within the commission to revisit its policy, Hosaka replied, ‘Right now, there’s none.’
He explained that the ICI’s investigation is a ‘process’ that cannot be defined by ‘piecemeal revelations,’ noting that publicizing ongoing discussions could compromise the integrity of the proceedings.
Earlier, Senate President Tito Sotto urged the commission to livestream its hearings to ensure accountability and uphold public confidence.
Echoing this sentiment, actress Agot Isidro also called on the ICI to open its sessions to the public, stressing that taxpayers fund the inquiry.
‘They’re the ones fighting among themselves while we’re left as mere spectators. That shouldn’t be the case. We deserve to have a say in what’s happening since it’s our money funding their work,’ Isidro said. ‘They should open the discussions to the public, release the documents and evidence, and allow the media to cover the meetings.’
Hosaka, however, pointed out that the ICI has been transparent about completed cases and findings that have been submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
‘As far as releasing documents or records of the cases, or those that we’ve filed before the ombudsman – as far as our reports and recommendations are concerned – we have in fact shared those with the public and the media. That’s what we are trying to do,’ he said.
The ICI holds hearings every Tuesday and Wednesday to review administrative matters and evidence related to alleged ghost and substandard projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Villar is set to appear before the ICI today, along with contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
Villar headed the DPWH from 2016 to 2021, a period when irregularities were reportedly committed in several infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control.
Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is also expected to face the commission on Wednesday.
Invitations are likewise being prepared for former House speaker Martin Romualdez.