Statement of ICI on Public Clamor to Livestream Flood Control Investigation
ICI – The Independent Commission for Infrastructure targets to come up with rules so they can livestream the flood control probe by next month.
Countless Filipinos were left disappointed and angry over the supposed multi-billion corruption in the government through the flood control projects. Last September 21, thousands of Filipinos were on the streets to protest against corruption at a rally dubbed as the “Trillion Peso March”.
Amid the flood control issue, several senators and congressmen were tagged in the supposed multi-billion corruption. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives which opened their own investigations to the issue had a change of leadership.
Senator Chiz Escudero, a former Senate President, was ousted and replaced with Senate Pres. Tito Sotto following his P30-million campaign donation from a contractor. He was also accused by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo of allegedly receiving a P160-million kickback from the flood control projects.
Presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez also resigned from being the House speaker after he was accused of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects by controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya. Another resource person during a Senate hearing, Orly Guteza, also claimed that he allegedly delivered luggage filled with millions of cash to Romualdez and Zaldy Co’s residence.
Amid the flood control issue in the Philippines, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of the independent body that will investigate the matter. It led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI.
The ICI is led by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. The three-member body’s investigation is ongoing but its previous hearings were closed-doors. Sen. Chiz Escudero and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez were among those who appeared before the commission.
Amid the flood control investigation, there is public clamor to livestream the hearings of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Previously, the ICI confirmed that it will livestream the flood control hearings but it will have to set rules first. It refused to give a timeline about it. Recently, the commission spoke anew on the matter.
Based on a report on GMA News, ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka expressed that they target to come up with rules on livestreaming the flood control probe so they can air the hearings by next month.
There is still no schedule for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez who previously requested for the postponement of the hearing due to his medical procedure. According to ICI, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo is expected to return for the investigation. The next hearing is set on November 11.