THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) yesterday defended its decision not to livestream its hearings and investigation on anomalies in flood control projects.
“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,” said newly appointed ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said in a message to reporters.
“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,” he added.
The ICI was created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr earlier this month amid continuous discovery of anomalous and “ghost” flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways. It is mandated to investigate infrastructure projects in the past 10 years.
Hosaka, who disclosed the decision over the weekend, hinted the no-livestream rule could change as he said “this is the present policy of the commission.”
“The commission is aware of the request of the public for the livestreaming 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 added.
Hosaka said the initial hearings held by the commission so far are for purposes of case build-up for criminal, civil, and administrative action.
“These cases will then be eventually referred to the appropriate agency for action, such as the Ombudsman,” he added
Investigations on the issue being conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee and the House infrastructure committee are livestreamed on social media platforms and aired on television.
The House infra-committee last week announced it will end its hearing on the flood control project mess to pave the way for the ICI investigation.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo supported the ICI decision. He said doing otherwise an influence the public’s judgment.
He said the public has different biases on whether an individual invited as resource person or as an accused in the ICI are guilty or not, just because of what they know from news reports.
“They are still only accusations and yet the people will already have that so-called decision based on what he sees and hears. That’s not good,” Tulfo said in Filipino during an interview with radio dzBB.
Tulfo said the ICI can update the public on its investigation by holding a press conference after every hearing.
The ICI is headed by retired Supreme Court justice Andres Reyes Jr. Its members are former Public Works secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV and Co. country managing partner Rossana Fajardo.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who had been tapped as special adviser, resigned on Friday effective immediately.
In his resignation letter, Magalong said, “The Palace’s pronouncements concerning my designation, which run contrary to the terms of my appointment, have undermined the role and mandate entrusted to me.”
“Combined with circumstances that already cast doubt on the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, it has become clear that my continued service is no longer tenable,” he added.
On Friday, Magalong said he resigned to protect the ICI’s integrity amid issues of conflict of interest that reportedly prompted a Palace review of his appointment.
INSINCERITY
The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday said the “finger heart” sign and remarks made by contractor Cesarah “Sarah” Discaya during her visit to the department Saturday is being taken into consideration amid her and her husband’s bid to become state witnesses in the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control projects anomalies.
The contractors went to the DOJ, their second time to do so, to deliver documents needed to bolster their appeal to be included in the government’s Witness Protection Program.
Aside from flashing a finger heart, Discaya told reporters waiting for her at the DOJ main building in Manila to “make her memes beautiful.”
This did not sit well with Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano who, in a message to reporters Sunday, said her actuations would be taken into account in their assessment of her bid.
“The heart sign and the remarks of Ms. Sarah Discaya are all taken into account in the assessment and evaluation of the persons involved. It is a sign of insincerity and complacency,” Clavano said.
“We urge all persons of interest in this case to behave accordingly,” he added.
The Discaya couple are already “protected witnesses” while the DOJ considers their bid to become state witness.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has said while the Discaya couple and several other individuals are protected witnesses, this does not mean their application to become state witnesses would be automatically approved.
Aside from the Discayas, also conferred protective witnesses status are former DWPH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former DPWH Bulacan engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.
The witnesses have tagged former and current lawmakers as recipients of kickbacks in flood control project contracts. – With Raymond Africa
