The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday said the disclosures of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co would have significantly more weight had they been made under oath, emphasizing the need for verified and admissible evidence in its ongoing probe into alleged budget anomalies.
“Unang-una po sa lahat, tinitingnan ng Komisyon if this is a verified information or ito’y acceptable evidence. Malaking bagay sana kung ito ay ginawa under oath para mapatunayan talaga na ang sinasabi sa anumang statement o sa anumang video ay katotohanan talaga,” ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka said in a press briefing on November 17.
Hosaka added that the Commission is prepared to accept a sworn affidavit from Co.
“Any sworn affidavit which is in a way verified already would be very much welcome by the Commission and this will be used in our investigation,” he said.
He stressed the importance of verified documents in line with evidence rules.
“Alam naman natin na under the rules of evidence kailangan talaga mga sworn affidavits ito, kailangan talaga verified… Under the rules of evidence kapag video ‘yan kailangan d’yan untampered, dire-diretso,” Hosaka noted.
The ICI also urged Co to return to the Philippines and testify in person.
“We want to know his statements under oath before the commission. Kasi malaking bagay ‘yon e kailangan talaga nandito sila, in person testifying under oath para maging credible ang kanilang testimony,” he said.
Co recently accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of allegedly ordering the insertion of ₱100 billion into the 2025 national budget.
He also named former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, PLLO Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, and DOJ Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz.