The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has invited former Public Works and Highways secretary and now Senator Mark Villar to attend its hearing on the investigation into the flood control anomalies.
Based on the invitation issued on Thursday, ICI Chair Andres Reyes requested Villar to appear before the ICI hearing in Taguig City at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7.
Reyes said Villar’s appearance is ‘to testify under oath to discuss and shed light relative to the planning, budgeting, execution, supervision, and monitoring of flood control and other infrastructure projects under your jurisdiction during your tenure as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is the subject matter under inquiry/ investigation by the Commission.’
Meanwhile, Villar broke his silence on Thursday, saying that he welcomes any investigations on his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects, maintaining that he has ‘nothing to hide.’
In a statement, the former DPWH-chief-turned-senator categorically stated that he has neither direct nor indirect ownership nor controlling interest in any company participating in DPWH projects.
‘The official record will confirm that none of my relatives acquired any contracts from 2016 to 2021, during my tenure as Secretary,’ said Villar.
On Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that there are efforts from the camp of Villar to set up a meeting, but added that he has yet to respond to it.
Remulla said that his preference for all official communications and proceedings to be handled ‘transparently, officially, across the board.’
‘I still don’t have a response, as I’d rather everything be done through official channels. This ensures it’s handled transparently, officially, and consistently across the board, leaving no room for accusations,’ Remulla told reporters.
Remulla said there is a necessity to thoroughly review documents related to whatever issues the senator’s camp wants to discuss.
Villar was the DPWH chief from 2016 to 2021, during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
On Wednesday, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said in an ambush interview that Villar, as well as former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, will be subpoenaed to attend its hearing on the investigation of the flood control anomalies.