The push to livestream the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) probe into alleged multibillion-peso corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified after commissioner Rogelio Singson confirmed that the body has secured “critical witnesses” and what it described as a “smoking gun” in its one-month investigation.
While the commission is weighing transparency measures such as livestreaming select sessions or holding regular press briefings, Singson said some hearings must remain closed to protect the integrity of the case. “Where we have critical witnesses, we really get as much information with proper documentation and pictures,” he said. “Other sessions, if we can only expect general information, we can livestream that.”
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said the commission may hold regular press conferences to keep the public updated. He admitted that there are no immediate plans for a livestream but acknowledged that public demand for transparency is growing louder by the day.
Lawmakers have also entered the fray. House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila de Lima said making the proceedings public is necessary now that the House infrastructure committee has suspended its probe, while the Senate Blue Ribbon committee’s next hearing is still weeks away. Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos argued that livestreaming could help prevent misinformation, citing the controversy surrounding Sen. Mark Villar’s reported outburst during questioning.
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan warned that public patience is wearing thin. “One day, the people might be rallying in front of the members’ homes,” he said, urging the commission to be more transparent.
Singson defended the closed-door hearings, likening the commission’s work to police investigators who cannot disclose details while building cases. The ICI has so far identified 15 to 20 cases for possible filing before the Office of the Ombudsman, initially targeting low-level perpetrators of ghost flood control projects.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has called for stronger government support for the ICI, citing its limited resources amid what he described as an “overwhelming” number of questionable projects.
As of today, the ICI hearings remain closed to the public, with no official livestreams available. The commission, however, said it is evaluating ways to share updates as investigations progress.
