The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is considering allowing the livestreaming of its hearings on the alleged flood control project anomalies following growing calls for transparency.
“We’re still studying that. We might have something for you on that matter maybe next week,” ICI Chairperson and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said on Thursday.
Reyes said the decision might depend on the comfort and safety of witnesses.
“I think we might ask the person if he wants a livestream… Because these are potential witnesses, and if they feel harm or threat to their safety, we might ask for that,” he explained.
The commission is set to resume its hearings on November 17 after former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo requested a postponement of his testimony.
Reyes clarified that the ICI’s mandate is limited to gathering evidence, while the filing of criminal charges remains under the Office of the Ombudsman.
“We are just data gatherers and evidence buildup. The one who will file the case is the Ombudsman,” he said.
Formed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in September, the ICI is tasked to investigate alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects involving government officials and contractors.