The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) conducted its final hearing for 2025 on Monday as part of its probe into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The commission called AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones and Budget Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo as resource persons for the hearing.

During the proceedings, Atty. Winston Ginez, legal counsel for Briones, relayed his client’s request for the hearing to be conducted in executive session.

Briones, through his lawyer, said his name and integrity had been unfairly tarnished by what he described as “baseless and unfounded accusations against him.”

“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.

Briones also expressed concern over the possible public misinterpretation or misconstruction of highly sensitive personal information that he might disclose during the hearing.

Ginez added that the request for an executive session was made to avoid what he described as a trial by publicity.

While Briones consented to the public distribution of his sworn statement and exhibits, the ICI granted his request for the hearing to be held in executive session.

Meanwhile, ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka earlier said the commission is considering inviting resigned Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to its proceedings. However, Hosaka said there has been no confirmation yet on Cabral’s attendance.