The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Thursday said it was still drafting the guidelines for livestreaming its hearings, a move that some critics viewed as another instance of bureaucratic foot-dragging amid public demands for transparency in its probe on irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects.

In a statement, ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said the commission recognizes the public’s call to open its proceedings to real-time viewing but must first formulate clear procedural rules “to protect sensitive information and the constitutional rights of those involved.”

“The commission hears the clamor of the Filipino people for more transparency, and we are pushing to livestream the hearings as soon as possible,” Hosaka said. “But before doing so, the ICI needs to study and draft the rules of procedure and parameters to allow for livestreaming.”

The commission’s chairperson, Justice Andres B. Reyes, signed the statement, which reiterated that the ICI initially chose confidentiality to avoid “trial by publicity, political grandstanding, sensationalism and disinformation.”

Hosaka said the commission’s priority remains the integrity of its investigation. “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,” he said.

However, the guidelines for livestreaming have yet to be written, and Hosaka confirmed that there will be no hearings next week due to the absence of one of the commissioners. 

“Naturally, because livestreaming pertains to our hearings,” he said, adding that the commission will announce the guidelines once they are finalized.

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

Hosaka also clarified his earlier statement about an alleged “1-percent voucher” scheme involving the Department of Public Works and Highways Testing Office. 

He said the information came from a report submitted by an ICI staff member and was unverified. “It is of note that this information is only alleged. This matter will still need to be verified by the commission,” he said.

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