MANILA — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday conducted its last hearing for 2025 regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
AGAP Party-List Representative Nicanor Briones and Budget Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo served as resource persons for the session.
Briones requested an executive session, citing concerns over the potential damage to his reputation from public livestreaming of the proceedings.
Briones’ legal counsel, Atty. Winston Ginez said, “Our client’s name and integrity have been unduly besmirched by baseless and unfounded accusations.
Considering the investigatory nature of this commission, livestreaming may further harm his reputation, and he cannot control how the public might misinterpret sensitive personal information.”
The ICI granted Briones’ request for an executive session but allowed the distribution of his sworn statement and exhibits to the public.
ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka earlier indicated that the commission is considering inviting resigned DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral for questioning, though her attendance has yet to be confirmed.