Because people tend to act differently on camera, it is still better for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to keep its proceedings closed to the public.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s caution came after retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., chair of the ICI, announced Wednesday in a Senate hearing that the commission would begin livestreaming its proceedings next week.
‘To be honest, I’d prefer not to livestream it because people tend to act differently when there’s a public audience. These are commissioners they’re human too and if there’s already a public watching, their demeanor or approach might change,’ Gatchalian said in an interview.
Instead of a real-time broadcast, the senator suggested that the ICI release the transcripts of its hearings.
‘So the public can still follow [what’s happening],’ he pointed out.
‘It’s really different when there’s a camera. People tend to act differently your behavior changes, how you project yourself. That’s what I’m worried about, so let’s wait and see,’ he added.
Created by President Marcos Jr. through Executive Order No. 94 issued last September, the independent body was empowered to investigate every government infrastructure contract awarded within the last 10 years, including the recent corruption allegations surrounding the flood control works.
Several lawmakers, including senators, have been accused of conniving with some government officials and private contractors to defraud the government of billions of pesos through the flood control projects.