The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) welcomed the announcement that hearings of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on corruption in flood control projects will now be livestreamed.
However, the group argued that the livestream would be meaningless if only low-level operators are targeted while the powerful and influential remain untouched.
In a statement, Bayan expressed concern over remarks made by ICI Executive Director Brian Hoska and Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin, who said no high-ranking officials have yet been identified as involved in the corruption cases. The group questioned the direction of the investigation, noting that several whistleblowers have already testified before Congress and the Senate, even naming certain lawmakers.
For the ICI to claim that no senior officials have been implicated, the group said, raises suspicions of a possible cover-up or a major failure in the investigation.
Bayan urged the commission to upload videos of past hearings, where legislators, DPWH officials, and contractors testified, to dispel doubts and ensure transparency.
While the group said it welcomes transparency efforts, it emphasized that these would be meaningless if top officials escape accountability.
According to Bayan, Filipinos are demanding “accountability from the top,” stressing that the real masterminds are not ground-level fixers or contractors, but lawmakers and executive officials.
(PHOTO COURTESY: BAYAN)
