The appearance of Ilocos Norte First District Rep. Ferdinand ‘Sandro’ Marcos III before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is likely to be livestreamed, the body’s executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said Thursday.
If that is the case, it will be a contrast to the appearances of four lawmakers tagged in the flood control scandal who attended the ICI hearings.
The four members of the House of Representatives all requested a closed-door session.
‘Right now, if you read the request of Sandro Marcos, it was not stated there. So based on our rules, unless there is a formal request for an executive session, the default would be livestream,’ Hosaka said in an ambush interview when asked if Marcos’ appearance will be shown live to the public.
Due to mounting pressure from the people, and with critics saying that closed-door proceedings can cast doubt on the commission’s findings, the ICI allowed livestreaming of hearings, but those summoned can still request an executive session.
Hosaka, who confirmed that the ICI received Marcos’ letter Thursday morning, also said the commission will convene to determine when the lawmaker will attend the proceedings.
In a letter addressed to ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr., dated Nov. 26 (Wednesday), made public Thursday, Marcos said he is ‘ready to cooperate, answer questions, and provide any clarification needed to move this investigation forward.’
Marcos’ letter did not indicate any request for an executive session.
This letter came after resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co alleged that Marcos inserted at least P50 billion worth of public works projects in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 national budgets.
This was the first time that Marcos, who was House senior deputy majority leader in the 19th Congress and currently the majority floor leader in the 20th Congress, was named in Co’s videos.
Insertions generally refer to any change made from the National Expenditure Program prepared by the Department of Budget and Management in the crafting of the general appropriations bill, which is eventually enacted into law