The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) aims to commence live-streaming their hearings thru YouTube or Facebook starting next week, according to ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka.
“The ICI hears and acknowledges the Filipino’s clamor for transparency. We are one with the people in their fight to hold accountable those responsible for the anomalous infrastructure projects through which billions in public funds have been stolen,” said Hosaka in a press briefing on Friday.
Hosaka said they came up with a decision that the hearings and proceedings of the ICI shall be livestreamed except in cases where there is a need to hold an executive session.
“Government agencies in the investigation of anomalous flood control projects or infrastructure projects, as well as resource persons as for witnesses, may request that certain proceedings be held in executive session; the commission may grant such a request if it determines that this has a sufficient and factual basis and that granting it will not delay or hinder the commission from fulfilling its mandate,” he said.
Hosaka also said the live-streaming guidelines will also apply retroactively to the previous proceedings of the ICI.
“Media entities may broadcast the live streaming of the proceedings upon complying with the requirements of the commission, and the commission will share with the public the full guidelines for live streaming in line with the commission’s thrust on transparency,” he said.
ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said earlier the commission understands the clamor of the Filipino people for more transparency, and it is pushing to livestream the hearings as soon as possible. He, however, said 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.
