The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has announced it is set to formulate guidelines for its planned livestreaming of proceedings, which the public may expect by the second week of November, since there are no scheduled hearings next week.
“We hear the clamor of the Filipino people for more transparency, and we are pushing to livestream the hearings as soon as possible,” said ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr.
“However, before we do so, the ICI would need to study and draft the rules of procedure and parameters to allow for live streaming, taking into consideration sensitive information and the constitutional rights of invited resource persons,” he added.
Reyes said their original decision to conduct closed-door hearings “remains valid,” as the commission wants to prevent “political grandstanding, sensationalism, and disinformation.”
During a Senate hearing last Wednesday, Reyes told senators they will start the livestreaming of the hearings next week.
But according to ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka, there will be no hearings next week, as one of their members, Commissioner Rogelio Singson, is not available. He said the next proceedings are scheduled on November 11 and 12.
The Philippine National Police earlier conveyed its willingness to provide assistance to the ICI, especially in terms of technical and investigative support—specifically in engineering verification, forensic validation, and information systems development—to ensure that the process remains transparent, data-driven, and thoroughly documented.
The PNP engaged in discussions with ICI officials regarding strategies aimed at improving information-sharing and system integration among partner agencies in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, a group of protesters on Friday tried to enter the gate of a compound in Taguig City, where the ICI office is situated, to call for transparency and the imprisonment of individuals implicated in the anomalous flood control projects.
The protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of accountability, demanding that officials take responsibility for their wrongdoings.
