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Be stricter with granting executive sessions, Ridon tells ICI

Philippines | National

Be stricter with granting executive sessions, Ridon tells ICI

By Ellson Quismorio

At A Glance

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has noticed the obvious with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)--its hearings on the flood control projects controversy are barely being livestreamed.

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has noticed the obvious with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)--its hearings on the flood control projects controversy are barely being livestreamed.

This is because the commission--despite having rules for the livestreaming of its proceedings--allows invited resource persons to have closed-door executive sessions upon their request.

"The ICI should also adopt strict rules on the availment of executive sessions by invited resource persons," Ridon said in a statement Wednesday, Dec. 4.

"Only matters involving national security or legitimate state secrets should qualify as allowable grounds for executive sessions, to ensure that the public’s right to know and the demands of accountability are not unduly curtailed," noted the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts.

So far, only one congrssman--Laguna 4th district Rep. Benjamin Agarao--has agreed to livestream his hearing since ICI’s livestreaming rules were implemented.

Those who refused to make their proceedings public were Arjo Atayde of Quezon City's 1st district, Dean Asistio of Caloocan City's 3rd district, Reynante Arrogancia of Quezon City's 3rd district, Odie Tarriela of Occidental Mindoro's lone district, Marivic Co-Pilar of Quezon City's 6th district, and Patrick Michael Vargas of Quezon City's 5th district.

The solons have cited various reasons for seeking closed-door hearings, including matters of personal safety and fear of public backlash.

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