President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the Independent Committee for Infrastructure (ICI) has ‘peak performative transparency behavior,’ Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co said on Friday, explaining the anger of youth groups toward the ongoing investigation on flood-control projects.
Co told the Inquirer that youth groups are coming out of their classrooms out of anger, saying ‘we cannot accept that our operations are back to normal while the billions stolen from the public treasury are being revealed.’
‘We cannot accept the reality that that is still there, while ICI has peak performative transparent behavior, President Marcos Jr. by releasing his SALN (Statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth), but ICI hearings remain non-public, remain closed,’ Co pressed.
She also pointed out that meanwhile, insufficient fiscal space has been the reason behind the lack of funding for social services, such as pensions, and additional budget for schools.
Co also shared that she supports the calls for an independent committee made up of private citizens, adding that this was always their demand prior to the formation of the ICI.
‘In the first place, that’s what we want to happen. NGOs, people’s organizations are empowered and given the capacity to reveal and interfere in our search for truth and accountability,’ Co explained.
She cited the works of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) as proof that the initiative could work.
The PCIJ has previously reported on the campaign donations received by Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and other elected officials from contractors who allegedly received more government projects in the current administration.
Co then emphasized that there are efforts to uncover the truth behind the flood-control mess from several communities.
These efforts, according to Co, ‘need to be given attention and funding, instead of the ICI now that we see are only doing peak performance transparent behavior.’
Last Wednesday, Marcos said he will provide access to his SALN, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla opened public access to SALN of government officials.
Meanwhile, the ICIs proceedings remain behind closed doors from the public eye, despite several demands from citizens, including government officials to make them open.