ICI now has a YouTube channel
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has launched its YouTube channel where it will livestream its investigations into the flood control corruption.
Amid calls from the public for transparency during its probe, the ICI on Oct. 22 announced it would begin to livestream its hearings.
At the Senate hearing by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, ICI chairperson Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said they were just waiting to iron out the commission's technical capability before broadcasting its investigations live.
After weeks, the commission did its first livestream on Dec. 2 via its YouTube channel.
With Reyes were Rogelio Singson, commissioner, and Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., special adviser and investigator. They were investigating the alleged involvement of Benjamin Agarao Jr., former representative of the 4th district of Laguna, in the flood control scandal.
Comments were disabled for the livestream.
According to ICI's rules, invited resource persons have the option to invoke an executive session if they are sharing sensitive information. An executive session is carried out behind closed doors. However, it will still be up to the commission whether or not they will approve it.
ICI's move to give the public a front-row seat in its investigations was met with enthusiasm.
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said, "People would like to know the facts of these cases and would like to be updated as to the developments and the progress of the investigation. And a livestreaming of the proceedings will definitely address this concern of the public."
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima thanked the ICI for listening to the public's call to make the commission's hearings transparent.
"Sa pagsasapubliko ng ICI hearings, hindi na lang ICI ang nag-iimbestiga. Kasama na rin ang taumbayan sa susuri at titimbang, hindi lang sa kanilang mga iniimbestigahan kundi pati na rin sa kung paano ang takbo ng kanilang imbestigasyon," de Lima said in a statement.
"Hindi natin ito tatantanan. The people are watching. Truth, justice and accountability shall prevail. Bilisan ang pagsasampa ng matibay na mga kaso. Managot ang dapat managot. Ikulong ang mga kurakot!" she added.
Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña wondered about the previous hearings done by ICI—how can the public know about those, he asked.
"Finally nakinig ang ICI na dapat napapanood ng publiko ang hearings. Pero paano ‘yung mga naunang hearing? Dapat full transparency hindi pwedeng selective," he said.
"Dapat klaro din ang kahahantungan: may makulong, maisoli ang mga ninakaw, at maisabatas ang Open Bicam at Open Infra Bill!" he added.
ICI has yet to release the schedule of its next livestreamed investigations.
