Marcoleta questions ICI’s independence

Opposition Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Sunday questioned the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), pointing out that the body has repeatedly sought assistance from various government agencies while investigating alleged irregularities in public works.

“Tinatanong ko po kung paano naging independent ang ginagawa nilang ito, samantalang sila po ay humihingi ng tulong sa House of Representatives, humihingi ng impormasyon sa Senado, humihingi ng impormasyon sa Sandiganbayan, sa mga korte, at sa lahat ng mga opisina ng ating pamahalaan,” he said.

(I am asking how independent their investigation can be when they ask for help from the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Sandiganbayan, the courts, and other government offices.)

“Hindi siya (It is not) independent,” he added during the first day of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s three-day anti-corruption rally in Luneta on Sunday evening.

The ICI is chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr., with former SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka serving as executive director.

The commission is mandated to promote accountability in the use of public funds and has been inspecting allegedly irregular infrastructure projects, starting with flood control works.

Marcoleta further questioned the commission’s transparency, claiming that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez submitted an affidavit weeks ago but that the ICI did not publicly disclose this.

“At hindi ipinapakita ang kanilang proceedings… Nagsumite ng affidavit ang dating speaker. Mayroon po bang nakaalam sa inyo? Iniulat ba nila kung ano ang nilalaman ng affidavit ni Martin Romualdez? Wala po,” he said.

(They are not showing their proceedings. The former Speaker submitted an affidavit. Did any of you know? Did they report what it contained? No.)

“Talagang gusto na hindi natin makita ang katotohanan… Papayag ba kayo sa ganitong patakaran?” Marcoleta added.

(They really do not want us to see the truth… Will you accept that kind of policy?)

GMA News Online has sought comment from Romualdez’s camp and will publish his response once available.

Earlier, ICI chair Reyes said the commission is still evaluating whether it should livestream its proceedings. He noted that resource persons are potential witnesses who may face risks if their testimonies are broadcast.

“We might ask resource persons if they are comfortable with live streaming,” he said. “We’re studying the matter… If they feel threatened or unsafe, we may need their consent first. We’re still evaluating everything.”—MCG, GMA Integrated News