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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI hearings reset next week as call for transparency of probe mounts

ICI hearings reset next week as call for transparency of probe mounts

Published Oct 8, 2025 11:42 am

At A Glance

  • Two of the three hearings set this week by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on anomalous flood control projects have been postponed to next week even as calls for the body to carry out transparent hearings continue to snowball.
Members of the environmental group Kalikasan storm the St. Gerrard Construction office owned by the Discaya family in Pasig City on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The protesters hurled mud at the property, symbolizing the burden carried by flood victims due to failed flood-control projects. They also spray-painted the words “Magnanakaw” and “Korap” on the office walls and gate to express anger over alleged corruption in flood-control contracts awarded to the Discaya family’s companies. (Photos by Santi San Juan)
Members of the environmental group Kalikasan storm the St. Gerrard Construction office owned by the Discaya family in Pasig City on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The protesters hurled mud at the property, symbolizing the burden carried by flood victims due to failed flood-control projects. They also spray-painted the words “Magnanakaw” and “Korap” on the office walls and gate to express anger over alleged corruption in flood-control contracts awarded to the Discaya family’s companies. (Photos by Santi San Juan)
Two of the three hearings set this week by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on anomalous flood control projects have been postponed to next week even as calls for the body to carry out transparent hearings continue to snowball.
Controversial contractor-couple Curlee and Sara Discaya and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo requested the Palace-commissioned body that their hearings be moved to Oct. 15.
The Discayas were scheduled to face the ICI on Oct. 7, but they asked for a reset to secure "certain documents" requested by the body, Hosaka told reporters on the same day.
Meanwhile, Bernardo also made a last-minute request for his trial Wednesday, Oct. 8, to be rescheduled.
"According to him, he needs more time to prepare for the continuation of his testimony before the commission," said Hosaka in a Viber message to reporters.
For this week, only former DPWH secretary and now Senator Mark Villar managed to give all information asked by the body. The proceedings "went well , Hosaka said.
Although the Discayas appeared at the ICI for Tuesday's trial, they only took their oath, based on photos provided by the ICI, and eventually left the hearing.
The Discayas and Bernardo have already appeared in previous ICI hearings.
It remains to be seen if these developments would affect the case build-up against those involved in the corruption scandal that has rocked the nation to its core.
Currently, the investigation remains "an ongoing process", said Hosaka.
Pressure has been mounting on the ICI, which was established nearly a month ago, to ensure transparency and zero whitewashing of the high-stakes probe. The hearings are all held behind closed doors.
ICI has also cut down on its daily proceedings, scheduling hearings only twice a week from the previous from three or even four times a week. It also continues to organize itself.
Meanwhile, former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, allegedly among those who received huge kickbacks in the "ghost" and substandard projects, essentially remains unaccounted for despite various invitations sent to him to attend hearings of the ICI and even that of the Senate.
There are also widespread calls from Filipinos, who even took to the streets, for him to be sent home.
Since the opening of the 20th Congress in July, when President Marcos disclosed the anomalies in flood control projects, Co has reportedly been abroad.
"As long as we complete the case build up, we will file the necessary recommendation and filings before the Office of the Ombudsman," Hosaka added when asked about the status of the investigation.
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