The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) resumed the investigation on the multibillion-peso flood control project scandal.
However, the fact-finding body carried out the proceedings behind closed doors at the request of Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo, who was invited as one of the resource persons scheduled for Wednesday.
Romulo’s legal counsel expressed concerns regarding the testimony of the lawmaker, indicating that it could jeopardize his life and safety. He emphasized the potential damage to Romulo’s reputation that could result from this testimony.
“Considering the nature of today’s session and inquiry, the livestream of these proceedings, your honors, could be misused by members of the public to malign the reputation of the good congressman and would create an environment that would not favor an impartial deliberation on the matter at hand,” said lawyer Erika Migrino.
“And to prevent the harm—potential harm—to the reputation and life of the good congressman. Considering that once the session is livestreamed, the good congressman would have no control over how the information will then be used by the public,” she added.
Romulo voluntarily presented himself to the ICI to share his perspective and to defend his name and reputation. He said the request for an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued against him is being misrepresented and misused on social media platforms.
Romulo was among the lawmakers named by the contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who allegedly received money from their infrastructure projects.
The lawmaker denied the accusation. He said he is willing to make his sworn testimony available to the public.
Aside from Romulo, Bulacan First District Rep. Danilo Domingo was also scheduled to appear at the ICI to shed light on his alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.
Domingo also asked the ICI for an executive session.
The ICI began livestreaming its proceedings on Tuesday, with Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr. and officials from the Land Bank of the Philippines appearing before the body.
The ICI released two weeks ago the guidelines for the livestream, which state that all proceedings will be streamed live on YouTube, except when a resource person requests an executive session or if the information to be discussed must be kept confidential for national defense or security reasons, among others.
The decision to conduct the hearings privately has raised public concerns, who argue that transparency is crucial in ensuring accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, many are watching closely to see if the ICI findings will lead to substantial reforms in the handling of public infrastructure projects.
