Screen grabbed from Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) YouTube livestream
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday began livestreaming its hearings for the first time as it pressed forward with its investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects and infrastructure programs over the past decade.
Tuesday’s resource persons were Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin “Benjie” Agarao Jr., scheduled at 9:30 a.m., and unspecified Land Bank of the Philippines officials, scheduled at 10:30 a.m.
Both Agarao and the Land Bank officials requested an executive session, though the ICI has yet to rule on their petitions.
ICI Commissioner Rogelio Singson was seen presiding over the proceedings as the commission launched its official YouTube broadcast on December 2.
The ICI also announced Tuesday that House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte will appear as resource persons in separate hearings later this week.
It was not immediately disclosed if Marcos or Duterte requested executive sessions for their appearances.
Other lawmakers scheduled to face the commission between December 3 and 5 include Bulacan 1st District Rep. Danilo “Danny” Domingo and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap.
The livestream rollout came after public clamor urging the ICI to match the Senate blue ribbon committee’s openness in its own flood-control probe.
The commission initially maintained that closed-door proceedings were necessary to avoid trial by publicity but reversed course in October and released livestreaming rules on November 21.
According to the guidelines, hearings will be broadcast live unless a resource person requests an executive session or if the testimony involves confidential information affecting national security or personal safety.
The ICI recently faced criticism for allowing executive sessions after all lawmakers who previously appeared sought confidential hearings.
The commission was created on September 11 under Executive Order No. 94 following mounting reports of alleged anomalies in flood-control spending.