The religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has called on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to make its investigation into the alleged irregularities in flood control projects open to the public.
In an episode of “Sa Ganang Mamamayan” aired on Tuesday, October 7, INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, through INC Spokesperson Bro. Edwil D. Zabala, said that keeping the probe confidential would not help restore public trust.
“Ano pa’t ano man ang maging resulta nito ay posibleng hindi maging katanggap-tanggap sa mga mamamayan at makadagdag lamang sa nagaganap na kaguluhan at kawalang-katiyakan,” the statement read.
The INC further emphasized the importance of transparency in ensuring accountability and public confidence in the investigation.
“Kailangan bukas at masaksihan ng samabayanan ang mga pagdinig sa isinasagawang imbestigasyon. Naniniwala kami na para magkaroon ng kapayapaan kailangan patuloy na imbestigahan ang malawakang katiwaliang iyon at isagawa nang may transparency at walang kinikilangan o pinagtatakpan,” Zabala added.
It can be recalled that ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka earlier announced that the hearings would remain private to prevent “trial by publicity” and avoid any political influence over the proceedings.