HOUSE of Representatives — Kamanggagawa Partylist Representative Elijah “Eli” San Fernando on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to livestream its hearings, describing it as a “small but necessary step” toward transparency amid growing public distrust over the flood control corruption probe
“Buti naman at tinablan ng hiya ang ICI at nakinig sa panawagang i-livestream ang kanilang proceedings,” San Fernando said, following reports that the ICI will open its hearings to the public starting next week.
San Fernando was the first to formally submit a request to the ICI six days ago, urging the body to livestream its proceedings as part of its obligation to transparency. He said the commission’s primary role is fact-finding, not adjudication, and therefore, there is no reason for secrecy.
“Uulitin natin, hindi ito judicial o quasi-judicial court. Ginawa ang komisyon para mag-imbestiga at magtipon ng ebidensya kaugnay ng flood control scandal. Pero kung ano mang makakalap nila, ipapasa rin sa Ombudsman,” he said. “Kaya dapat bukas ito sa taumbayan mula umpisa pa lang. Transparency through livestreaming is the bare minimum.”
However, San Fernando cautioned that the livestream decision must be followed by stronger commitments to independence and impartiality.
“Ang susunod na hamon sa ICI: panindigan ang pagiging independent at impartial nito. Imbestigahan lahat—kahit pa alyado o mismong mga nasa Palasyo!” he declared.
He also urged the ICI to release its previous proceedings and records to the public to demonstrate good faith.
“Full transparency means accountability retroactively. Release all minutes and records of past hearings for the public to see. Kung talagang walang kinakatakutan, dapat walang itago,” San Fernando said.
“Ang tunay na laban sa katiwalian ay hindi nagtatapos sa livestream. Nagsisimula pa lang ito sa tapang na ipakita ang buong katotohanan sa harap ng bayan,” he concluded.
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