Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila de Lima on Saturday called on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to honor its commitment to livestream its probe into the flood control controversy.
The appeal came after the ICI and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recommended filing cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
“Maganda po ito na mapakinggan mula sa Pangulo mismo, dahil ’yan naman din ang ipinangako at hamon sa kanyang administrasyon, na imbestigahan ang lahat ng sangkot batay sa ebidensya, at hindi exempted diyan ang kanyang mga kaalyado, kaanak, pati na mismo ang Tanggapan ng Pangulo,” de Lima said.
She stressed the need for public transparency, adding: “Sa dami pa ng dapat imbestigahan, kung nakatago pa rin sa publiko ang kanilang mga proceedings, nasaan ang transparency? Tiwala ng taumbayan ang nakataya dito, hindi pwedeng maramdaman nilang pinaaasa at pinaiikot lang sila.”
De Lima also highlighted the role of the Office of the Ombudsman in swiftly evaluating evidence to ensure that any filed cases are backed by solid proof.
“Taumbayan ang ninakawan. Taumbayan ang nagdurusa. Dapat kasama sila sa pagtukoy sa katotohanan at sa pagtugis kung sino-sino ang dapat managot,” she added.
She noted that her proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAC) bill seeks to strengthen the ICI by granting it powers to issue contempt orders and departure orders, pending presidential certification as urgent.