ICI: Live-streaming is the rule, but Asistio, Atayde opted for executive session

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Executive Director Atty. Keith Brian Hosaka on Tuesday night said the guidelines on live-streaming are clear — the general rule is that hearings should be live-streamed.

However, he noted that resource persons have the option to request an executive session if supported by factual and legal grounds.

Hosaka said that ahead of their scheduled appearance Tuesday, both Cong. Dean Asistio and Cong. Arjo Atayde requested that their testimonies be taken in executive session due to sensitive and private information that might be disclosed during their statements.

“Since the live-streaming guidelines were published today and thus already effective, the lawmakers were again asked at the start of their respective testimonies to confirm their earlier request for an executive session, to which both replied in the affirmative,” Hosaka said.

He emphasized that requesting an executive session on legal and valid grounds is an option available to resource persons under Section 1.2 of the ICI live-streaming guidelines. Despite this option, Hosaka clarified that resource persons may still choose to waive it and proceed with live-streaming.

In Tuesday’s hearings, the lawmakers opted to have their testimonies taken in executive session.

After his appearance before the commission, Quezon City Representative Arjo Atayde faced the media and firmly denied allegations that he benefited from a controversial flood control project, stressing that he is fully willing to cooperate with the investigation.

He asserted his innocence and maintained that no evidence has been presented against him since the allegations were raised at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 8.

"I have nothing to hide. I will not hide, I will not evade, and I will not flee to another country,” Atayde declared. “I am willing to go through the investigation to fight for my innocence.”

Asked about his decision to request a closed-door executive session, Atayde said it was meant to prevent “judgment by publicity” and protect sensitive information that could disrupt the proceedings.

"Perhaps we will mention sensitive information that does not yet need to be public to avoid interfering with the investigation,” he said, adding that he would answer the allegations with facts at the “proper forum and proper time.”

Atayde revealed that he had written to the commission weeks earlier to “fast-track the process.” He said he is ready to submit his affidavit and present his evidence, but challenged his accusers to present theirs first.

"Until now... they haven't even given out anything against me or my father,” he stated. “My father is also willing to go through the investigation.”

The ICI is investigating a multi-billion peso flood control scandal in which several government officials were allegedly named as beneficiaries.