ICI to ensure airtight case vs people involved in flood control mess

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure will ensure that the case that will be filed against those involved in the anomalous flood control projects will be airtight, executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said Monday.

In an Unang Balita interview, Hosaka said the ICI is being very prudent in the conduct of its investigation and the information it receives.

"Very important po sa amin na whatever we file, whatever we recommend to the Ombudsman will be airtight, will be backed with sufficient evidence, and corroborated. Mahirap po kasi na makikinig po tayo at maniniwala na po tayo agad sa testigo ng isang tao na hindi pa po natin nabe-verify 'yung kanyang credibility at nako-corroborate ng ibang testigo," he said.

(It is not good to listen and immediately believe the testimony of a person whose credibility we have yet to verify and yet to be corroborated by other witnesses.)

"So as much as possible po nag-iingat po kami. Kailangan po gawin namin ang trabaho ng ICI sa tamang pamamaraan, naayon sa batas, at under the rule of law," he added

(So as much as possible, we are very careful. We need to do our job in the ICI in the correct manner, according to the law, and under the rule of law.)

Hosaka expressed hope that the people will understand that the ICI needs to thoroughly study everything as he reiterated the reason the hearings are not being livestreamed.

"We want to be very careful with this matter because we don't want this to turn into trial by publicity because investigation po ito," he said.

In a statement on Sunday, Hosaka said 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."

Asked on the resignation of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Hosaka said it was regrettable. 

"Malaki ang tulong ni Mayor. Medyo nakakapanghinayang na nagbitiw siya bilang special adviser (but) we're mandated to continue. Investigation will continue despite ng pagbibitaw ni Mayor Magalong na malaki naman talaga ang tulong sa ICI," he said.

(Mayor helped a lot. It was regrettable that he resigned as a special adviser but we're mandated to continue. Investigation will continue despite the resignation of Mayor Magalong who contributed a lot to the ICI.)

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

The commission is chaired by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. with former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV Country Managing Partner at SGV Rossana Fajardo as members.—AOL, GMA Integrated News