Former Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Catalina Cabral, snubbed the invitation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to serve as one of the resource persons for Monday’s hearing.
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said there has been “no confirmation from Usec. Cabral.”
Cabral was named among the individuals recommended on Nov. 6 by the commission to face charges from the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the alleged ghost project in Bulacan worth P95 million.
The project was implemented by the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office through contractor Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. The project entails the construction and enhancement of slope protection structures and waterways at Barangay Bambang.
The commission proceeded with the hearing, during which AGAP Party-list Representative Nicanor Briones was questioned; however, the lawmaker requested that the hearing be held in an executive session.
Lawyer Winston Ginez, Briones’s legal counsel, stated they requested the executive session due to concerns that the livestreaming of the proceedings could potentially inflict additional harm and damage to his client’s reputation.
“He has no way of controlling how the public will misinterpret or misconstrue the highly sensitive personal information that he may convey to the honorable commission during this proceeding,” he explained.
Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo of the Department of Budget and Management was also scheduled to appear at the ICI.
The hearing on Monday coincided with Commissioner Rogelio Singson’s last day with the probe body.
Hosaka assured that, despite Singson’s departure, the commission will continue in its duties and is anticipated to collect vital testimonies and evidence in the coming days.
“The ICI has continued its investigation by coordinating with pertinent government agencies, particularly focusing on evidence gathering and case buildup in relation to its mandate to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects,” he stated.
Hosaka said the commission prioritizes examining the 80 alleged ghost flood control projects, which involve 15 leading contractors identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The allegations regarding ghost projects have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in government contracting processes.
As the ICI investigations progress, the public is closely monitoring any developments that may lead to significant reforms.
