ICI eyes livestreaming amid calls for transparency

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Thursday said it is planning to livestream its hearings on response to public concerns over transparency, as it works on procedural rules to protect sensitive information and the constitutional rights of those involved.

  This was according to ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka saying the commission had initially opted for confidentiality to prevent “trial by publicity, political grandstanding, sensationalism, and disinformation.”

Hosaka said the concerns remain valid, and protecting the integrity of the investigation is still paramount.

   The statement was signed byvICI Chairperson Justice Andres B. Reyes. 

    “The evidence and testimonies we receive must undergo thorough verification before we can send the kernels to the Office of the Ombudsman. These should hold up in court.”

    Hosaka noted, however, that the commission recognized the public’s demand for greater openness.

    He said they hear the clamor of the Filipino people for more transparency, and we are pushing to livestream the hearings as soon as possible. 

     But before they do so, the ICI would need to study and draft the rules of procedure and parameters to allow for livestreaming, taking into consideration sensitive information and the constitutional rights of invited resource persons.”

Hosaka said the livestreaming rules have yet to be drafted, and no hearings would be held next week as one of the commissioners will be unavailable. “Naturally, because livestreaming pertains to our hearings,” he said, clarifying that the commission would announce once the guidelines are finalized.

Asked whether past hearings could be made public, Hosaka said this would depend on the forthcoming rules and procedures. “That will depend on the guidelines and procedures that will be approved by the commission,” he said.

He also clarified his earlier remarks on the alleged “1% voucher” involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) testing office, saying the information came from a report submitted by an ICI staffer and remains unverified.

     “It is of note that this information is only alleged,” Hosaka said. “This matter will still need to be verified by the commission.”

President Marcos created the ICI was to investigate corruption and irregularities in major infrastructure projects, with findings to be endorsed to the Ombudsman for possible administrative or criminal action.