No livestream of ICI hearings, says exec director

The hearings of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will not be livestreamed to avoid ‘trial by publicity’ and any political influence, executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said Sunday.

“Currently, the ICI hearings are not livestreamed. This is the present policy of the commission. The initial hearings, so far, are for purposes of case build-up for criminal, civil, and administrative action,” Hosaka said in a statement.

“The ICI is avoiding trial by publicity, and will not allow it to be used for any political leverage or agenda by any individual or group,” he added.

However, Hosaka said further discussions will be held to address the call for transparency.

“The commission is aware of the request of the public for the live-streaming of the hearings. I will discuss this matter with the commission for a solution that will both balance the request for more transparency and the protection of individual rights,” he said.

Earlier this week, dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara and former assistant engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza testified before the ICI on the anomalous flood control projects.

Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, former Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and former Senate finance committee chairperson Grace Poe also appeared before the ICI to shed light on the budget process in Congress.

“The task is no doubt enormous and may seem overwhelming, but the ICI will remain surgical and deliberate in the performance of its mandate so that those who are truly responsible will be brought to justice with solid evidence and under the rule of law,” Hosaka said.

The ICI is mandated to investigate alleged anomalous infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.

The commission is also composed of former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV Country Managing Partner at SGV Rossana Fajardo. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News