Congressman Atayde, Asistio face ICI hearing

Quezon City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde and Caloocan City Third District Rep. Dean Asistio on Tuesday attended the hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to debunk allegations that they are involved in floodgate issues.

The two young solons were among the politicians accused by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya of soliciting money from their construction firm when they attended a recent Senate hearing looking into the culpabilities of those involved in the ghost flood control projects.

Atayde claimed the allegations were “all hearsay,” saying his father Arturo Atayde, who was also dragged into the controversy by the Discayas, was willing to face investigation.

He said that it is better that before pointing to anybody, they should first give him the evidence against him because at the moment they haven't even given out anything against him and his father.

“We are not hiding anything. I will not even hide or evade, I will not fly out of the country. I am here to thoroughly go through the investigation to fight for my innocence,” Atayde said.

The Quezon City solon said he had prepared an affidavit for the executive session with the ICI.

“I'm sure everyone wants an answer as well. I told the people I'll answer at the proper forum, at the proper time. This is it po,” Atayde said.

He said he doesn’t want to invalidate the feelings of the people towards the gravity of the situation if he denies, thus he has to gather all the evidence.

On the other hand, Caloocan City Congressman Asistio also denied the claim that he is also involved in the floodgate, maintaining there was “no truth” to the Discayas’ allegations.

Asistio said he is not afraid and what he is avoiding is that there are sensitive information that are being released which should not be released.

The two young solons attended the ICI hearing through an executive session.