Two Metro Manila lawmakers were summoned into an executive session on Tuesday as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) pressed forward with its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde and Caloocan 3rd District Rep. Dean Asistio appeared before the commission to clarify project irregularities, submitting testimony shielded from public livestreaming due to what they described as highly sensitive information. The ICI gave Atayde until December 2 and Asistio until November 28 to hand over additional documents.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka defended the closed-door proceeding, noting that livestreaming is the default — but resource persons may request privacy if supported by factual and legal grounds. Both lawmakers reaffirmed their earlier requests at the start of the session. According to Hosaka, the commission reviewed these grounds and found them sufficient under the ICI Live Streaming Guidelines published on November 22, which allow testimony to be moved off-camera to protect private, sensitive, or legally restricted information.
Despite the confidentiality, Hosaka stressed that the ICI remains committed to transparency, due process, and the public’s right to know, balancing these against the protection of individual rights. The probe continues Wednesday, with Quezon 3rd District Rep. Reynante Arrogancia and Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela set to appear — both likewise requesting executive sessions.
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