Manila: Several members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed support for Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr.'s announcement that ICI proceedings will be livestreamed starting next week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon stated that livestreamed ICI proceedings will enhance public discourse and strengthen accountability in governance. Ridon emphasized that this transparency measure is crucial for ensuring the public is fully informed of all disclosures, admissions, and evidence presented before the ICI, especially those involving high-level officials, government employees, and private contractors identified during investigations conducted by both the House Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno described the ICI's decision as a welcome development amid the growing clamor for transparency. He highlighted the public's right to be informed about the hearings, particularly as they are directly affected by the issues surrounding flood control projects.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima expressed gratitude towards the ICI for making its hearings open and transparent. She noted that with the public nature of the hearings, it is not only the ICI that will investigate, but the people can also examine and assess the proceedings and those involved in the investigations.
Las Pi±as Rep. Mark Anthony Santos praised the ICI decision as a positive step toward transparency. He argued that the people deserve to see the process unfold and that livestreaming the hearings will help restore public trust and dispel doubts about the fairness of the investigation. Santos also mentioned that this initiative would deter political interference and give the public a clearer picture of the investigation's conduct.
Santos expressed hope that this transparency measure becomes a permanent practice for all major government investigations, especially those involving public funds and infrastructure projects. He concluded by stating that the ICI's decision to go live is a victory for truth and public accountability, emphasizing that transparency should be the norm rather than the exception.
