ICI eyes livestream compromise

With persistent calls from the public for livestreaming of the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the special fact-finding body may settle for a compromise: either holding regular press briefings or livestreaming, but only of general information.

- EJ MACABABBAD

In an interview yesterday, ICI member former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Rogelio Singson said the body may share information drawn from proceedings “where we have critical witnesses that we want to really get as much information with proper documentation, pictures, whom they talked to, and so on." "Other sessions, if we can only expect general information, we can livestream that," Singson added.

ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka earlier said the body may hold regular press conferences to update the public on the status of investigations. Pressure is mounting on the ICI to livestream its probe in the name of transparency.

House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila de Lima said publicizing the commission's investigation is necessary, especially now that the House infrastructure committee has suspended its probe on the issue, while the Senate Blue Ribbon committee's next hearing is a month away.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said livestreaming would prevent the spread of rumors, citing one on Sen. Mark Villar's alleged outburst while being interviewed by the ICI.

For Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the ICI should not test the people's patience in their quest for truth.

"One day, the people might be rallying in front of the members' homes," he said.

But Singson defended the commission's defiance in keeping its hearings behind closed doors.

"We're like police," he said.

"Have you seen officers investigating while the media is covering? We're trying to get as much information and they have to sign off affidavits and exhibits, so when we complete a particular case, it will stand with the ombudsman." The commission recently formed an ad hoc communications team, as it continues to build the organization.

Singson is one of the three members of the ICI, along with retired associate justice Andres Reyes Jr. and auditor Rossana Fajardo.