Hosaka: ICI will not bow to anyone amid independence questions

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka reaffirmed the commission’s independence amid criticisms over its members being appointed by the President.

In an interview with DZMM on Saturday, 25 October, Hosaka emphasized what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “walang sisinuhin ang ICI” (ICI will not bow to anyone).

He cited other government agencies that are designed to remain independent despite presidential appointments, such as members of the judiciary up to the Chief Justice, the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, and the Civil Service Commission.

Responding to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's suggestion to include opposition representation in the ICI, Hosaka said the commission welcomes anything that can enhance its independence, but believes the current composition is sufficient to uphold their goal of preventing any political agenda from influencing their work.

Currently, the ICI is working on guidelines and parameters for livestreaming its hearings to provide the transparency the public is requesting “without sacrificing the due process rights of the resource persons,” he said, adding that this was the reason for not allowing livestreaming initially.

“ICI is investigative. We gather or receive evidence and testimonies. We don’t want it to be tainted by any political agenda or used for grandstanding, so to speak. We also do not want it to become a trial by publicity or fuel disinformation,” he explained.

“The commission is currently balancing these concerns, and this balance will be reflected in the guidelines that will be created,” he added.

Regarding the next hearing scheduled for 11 or 12 November, Hosaka said they aim to have these guidelines in place by then.