The final hearing for 2025 of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was held on Monday as part of its investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects, with AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones and Budget Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo appearing as resource persons.

Likewise, personnel from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) were present as the commission continued its fact-finding proceedings into the planning and funding of flood control initiatives flagged for possible irregularities.

Briones, during the hearing, through his legal counsel Winston Ginez, requested that his testimony be taken in executive session, citing concerns that public proceedings could further damage his reputation amid what he described as baseless accusations.

“Considering the investigatory and fact-finding nature of the proceedings of this honorable commission, our client is concerned that the livestreaming of the proceeding of this commission may cause further harm and injury to his reputation,” Ginez said.

Ginez added that Briones was worried that “highly sensitive personal information” he might disclose could be publicly misinterpreted or misconstrued, and said the request was intended to prevent what he described as a trial by publicity.

The ICI granted the request for an executive session, although Briones consented to the public release of his sworn statement and documentary exhibits submitted to the ICI.

After the hearing, Ginez said his client used the closed-door session to categorically deny allegations made by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who have linked Briones to questioned flood control projects.

“He was able to state everything—that he has nothing to do with it and that he knows nothing about all the allegations against him,” Ginez said.

He also denied claims that Briones had any flood control projects under his name, stressing that the lawmaker voluntarily appeared before the commission to clear his name.

On the other hand, ICI spokesman Brian Hosaka said the commission was considering inviting resigned Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to future proceedings related to the probe. However, Hosaka said there was still no confirmation on whether Cabral would attend.