The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said on Friday that it hears the public’s call for accountability and justice amid its investigation into infrastructure anomalies, emphasizing that the commission is one with them against corruption.
The ICI released the statement in response to the disaster survivors and progressive groups who conducted Black Friday protest in front of the commission’s gate on Friday morning to condemn the alleged whitewashing and cover-ups in the commission’s investigation process.
‘The ICI hears and understands the public’s call for accountability and justice. The Commission is one with them against corruption,’ the ICI said in the statement.
‘The Commission remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of gathering evidence and testimonies related to anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects in the country,’ it pointed out.
According to the ICI, they meticulously assess and verify all information received amid their fact-finding investigation, saying that they are doing it ‘while respecting the Constitutional rights of all resource persons invited.’
‘Before referring cases to the Office of the Ombudsman, we ensure that all findings are substantiated and capable of withstanding scrutiny in the court of law to prevent dismissal,’ said the ICI.
The ICI also mentioned its continuous invitation of persons involved in the investigation, both public and private individuals, to cooperate in its probe hearings.
’40 days old’
The ICI noted that it is only about ’40 days old’ and is a newly established entity.
‘Our budget approval with DBM (Department of Budget and Management) is still pending, and resources remain limited. Despite multiple constraints, we continue to move quickly while maintaining thoroughness and accuracy in vetting the reports and data submitted to us,’ the ICI noted.
As for livestreaming its hearings, the commission said it is ‘actively studying and drafting the rules of procedure and parameters to allow livestreaming, while respecting the law and the rights of all concerned.’
‘The ICI remains steadfast in its duty to uncover the truth and to ensure that all those accountable are brought to justice under the rule of law,’ the commission said. Earlier this Friday, ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. said in a press conference that it ‘will take some time’ for the commission to have rules and procedures for live-streaming its hearings because they are ‘undermanned’ with lawyers to process it.