Amid the Flood Control Mess, ICI Speaks Anew on the Investigation
ICI – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure refused to release the recordings of the previous flood control hearings.
The flood control issue in the Philippines, brought thousands of Filipinos on the streets last September 21. The so-called “Trillion Peso March” even gathered several celebrities for the protest actions against corruption.
Amid the flood control issue in the country, President Bongbong Marcos ordered an independent body to investigate the infrastructure projects of the government to be formed. His order led to the creation of the ICI or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The three-member body is led by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr, with Rogelio L. Singson and Rossana A. Fajardo as the members. The flood control investigation is ongoing and it has already invited some government officials into the probe.
Presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez who resigned from being the House speaker amid the flood control corruption accusations against him was one of those who appeared before the ICI. According to him, he will extend any help he can to fast track the resolution of the matter.
Romualdez stepped down from the House speakership after controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya accused him of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects. Aside from the former House Speaker, Senator Chiz Escudero who was reportedly ousted from Senate presidency amid the flood control allegations also responded to the invitation of the commission.
There are calls for the commission to livestream its hearings. Previously, the ICI said it will have to set rules first for the livestreaming of the flood control probe as it does not want the resource persons to be subject to a “trial by publicity”. It assured that it has recordings of all the previous hearings conducted.
However, based on a report on GMA News, ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. clarified during a press conference that they will not release the recordings of the previous hearings on the flood control issue.
“No, we’ll not. Well, we’re gathering evidence. We cannot show our evidence. We will be telegraphed by these people if we show them evidence,” Reyes said.
Based on the report, the commission previously rejected the calls to livestream its proceedings in resolving the flood control issue. It was only recently when it heed the public clamor for the spirit of transparency.
Amid the flood control issue in the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH is reportedly set to file charges against 22 government officials and contractors.