AKBAYAN Partylist Representative Perci Cendana has criticized the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for its perceived weakness, pointing out that invited resource persons can decline invitations to its probes “anytime, like an RSVP to a birthday party.”
Cendana lamented the ICI’s lack of subpoena powers, which makes it difficult to compel individuals to appear and provide testimony. He also criticized the practice of live streaming the proceedings, arguing that it is rendered “useless” by the option to hold executive sessions, which are closed to the public.
Cendana urged the immediate passage of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAIC) bill, arguing that it would provide the necessary “teeth” to combat corruption and hold accountable those who are “stealing from the public.” He believes that the ICAIC bill would empower investigators to effectively pursue cases of corruption and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
metrosundaily
