Lawyers representing former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa officials challenged the investigation methods of the defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) during a Sandiganbayan trial on Wednesday.
The proceedings focused on the commission’s probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the Naujan, Oriental Mindoro road dike project.
During cross-examination, former ICI legal division head Rufino Mantos testified that the commission finalized its investigation and submitted its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman within just five calendar days following the DPWH’s September 24 referral.
“When we went to the Ombudsman, it was signed then and there,” Mantos said.
Defense counsel questioned why the ICI failed to issue a supplemental report after the DPWH submitted subsequent project documents. Mantos explained that he understood the commissioners viewed the paperwork as an interim report intended for the Ombudsman.
The defense also raised concerns regarding transparency, questioning why the commission publicly released the report via a press conference without providing copies to the accused individuals.
Mantos stated that the decision to hold the press conference rested with former ICI Executive Director and Spokesperson Brian Hosaka.
Meanwhile, state prosecutors objected to a defense question asking Mantos whether he believed in due process. Prosecutors argued that respondents are not legally mandated to submit affidavits during the fact-finding stage, noting that the commission retains the discretion to issue subpoenas and gather statements.
“That’s the discretion of the commission and beyond my functions. I advised them to do what’s in the mandate but not require the subpoenas,” Mantos noted.
Mantos acknowledged that the ICI interviewed key agency figures, including former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
Although present during some questioning sessions, Mantos clarified that he did not personally lead the interviews, with Associate Justice Corpus-Mañalac confirming that Mantos’ official role was strictly confined to document collection.