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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Atayde says ICI gave him option not to make hearing public

Atayde says ICI gave him option not to make hearing public

Published Nov 25, 2025 11:30 am  |  Updated Nov 25, 2025 01:15 pm

At A Glance

  • The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) allegedly offered Quezon City 1st district Rep. Arjo Atayde the option to hold his scheduled hearing Tuesday, Nov. 25 in executive session, resulting in a closed-door proceedings that was earlier expected to be livestreamed.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) allegedly offered Quezon City 1st district Rep. Arjo Atayde the option to hold his scheduled hearing Tuesday, Nov. 25 in executive session, resulting in a closed-door proceedings that was earlier expected to be livestreamed.
Atayde and Caloocan 3rd district Rep. Dean Asistio were the first resource persons set to be heard by the body following the issuance of new guidelines allowing for livestreaming unless otherwise requested by the attending resource person.
Atayde and Asistio's testimonies were expected to be delivered in public; but the ICI, which had always maintained its commitment to transparency, said in an advisory Monday that the two requested for executive sessions, which it granted.
"They asked me po [if I wanted it to become an executive session]. Before the guidelines of the livestreaming came out, they asked me po because, as I said I volunteer two weeks ago," Atayde said Tuesday, Nov. 25, when asked by reporters why he chose an executive session.
"And they asked either livestreaming [or executive session]. With respect to commission, they asked naman po," he added.
For his part, Asistio did not say if he was offered the same option. However, he said he chose an executive session not because of fear but to "protect sensitive information that might come out at a wrong time".
Asked if there are other individuals who might also be involved in the controversy, he only said: "Siguro po (maybe)."
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