HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila M. de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist) is advocating for full transparency in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) hearings, insisting that they should be livestreamed without unnecessary restrictions. De Lima’s statement comes as the ICI prepares to livestream its hearings this week, prompting a closer look at the commission’s Live Streaming Guidelines.
De Lima argues that livestreaming should be the default mode for all ICI hearings, with executive sessions reserved only for the rare exceptions defined by Supreme Court decisions. She cautions against any provisions that could weaken the public’s right to information and undermine the core principle of transparency.
“Livestreaming ang dapat na automatic at default mode sa ICC hearings,” De Lima stated, emphasizing the public’s demand for open access to these proceedings.
Citing Section 28, Article II of the Constitution, which mandates full public disclosure of transactions involving public interest, De Lima asserts that ICI hearings clearly fall under this category. She points out that EO 94, which established the ICI, was prompted by concerns over irregularities and corruption in government flood control projects, underscoring the significant public interest at stake.
De Lima acknowledges the need to protect sensitive or privileged information but argues that the public-facing aspects of the ICI’s work, including investigations, evidence gathering, and evaluation, should be made public as much as possible, consistent with the policy of full public disclosure.
De Lima raises concerns about the ICI’s guidelines that allow for executive sessions on grounds beyond the exceptions established by legal precedent. She argues that there is no legal basis for the ICI to rely on a broader list of exceptions derived from the implementing rules of RA 6713 (the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees) and the Supreme Court Rules on Access to Information about the Supreme Court, as these are not laws.
De Lima suggests that the ICI issue supplemental guidelines clarifying that only a limited number of exceptions, as permitted by the Supreme Court, will be recognized to the general rule of livestreaming hearings. She also calls for clear rules ensuring that investigations, evidence gathering, and evaluation can be made public in accordance with the Constitution and Supreme Court decisions, while acknowledging that deliberations and administrative aspects are internal to the ICI.
De Lima also cautions against over-judicializing the ICI’s proceedings, emphasizing that the ICI is not a court and should not be bound by strict, formal court rules.
