THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) granted executive sessions on Wednesday to Pasig City Lone District Representative Roman Romulo and Bulacan First District Representative Danilo “Danny” Domingo, allowing them to testify privately regarding anomalous flood control projects.
Both congressmen requested the closed-door sessions, citing concerns about potential harm to their safety, reputation, and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Romulo’s legal counsel, Atty. Erika Mirgriño, argued that livestreaming the proceedings could be misused to malign the congressman’s reputation and create a biased environment. “Considering that once the session is live-streamed, the good congressman would have no control over how the information will then be used by the public,” she said. Romulo, however, consented to the distribution of his sworn statements to the public and the media, emphasizing his voluntary appearance to clear his name.
Domingo’s legal counsel, Alex Lopez, stressed that Bulacan is “at the epicenter” of the flood control controversy and that his client has already faced backlash despite a lack of credible allegations. Lopez argued that Domingo’s testimony could be misconstrued by the public and potentially influence pending investigations. Domingo also agreed to the distribution of his sworn statements.
ICI chairperson Justice Andres Reyes Jr. granted both requests. The ICI has now granted at least six requests for executive sessions since releasing guidelines for livestreaming its proceedings.
Under the guidelines, all ICI proceedings and hearings will be livestreamed, except when executive sessions are deemed necessary upon the request of government agencies, resource persons, or witnesses.
