The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has established a firm boundary regarding evidence in its ongoing investigations: only sworn, verified statements will be considered. This stance comes in response to videos circulating on social media alleging corruption at the highest levels of government.
Commission Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka emphasized the necessity of legally admissible evidence, stating that unverified videos carry no evidentiary weight. While acknowledging the public interest sparked by the disclosures, he underscored the importance of a formal, sworn affidavit to lend credibility to the claims.
The commission has repeatedly invited the individual who released the videos, former Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co, to testify in person under oath. His direct testimony, officials believe, is crucial to transforming allegations into actionable evidence. Currently residing outside the country, Co’s absence complicates the process.
The videos leveled accusations against prominent figures, including the President, alleging involvement in a large-scale corruption scheme. This prompted calls for a swift investigation and full cooperation from those named in the allegations, but the ICI remains steadfast in its evidentiary standards.
Some observers suggest Co’s accusations are a strategic attempt to deflect blame upwards, targeting more powerful figures to minimize his own potential culpability. His removal from a key House committee earlier this year, stemming from a loss of trust among colleagues, adds another layer to the unfolding narrative.
Meanwhile, a separate but related development involves former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. He has submitted a second supplemental affidavit and applied for inclusion in the Witness Protection Program (WPP). This application has temporarily halted scheduled hearings, as legal restrictions prevent him from disclosing information related to his WPP status.
The Department of Justice maintains strict confidentiality regarding WPP applications, citing legal protections for potential witnesses. Bernardo’s affidavit, already submitted to the Senate, is currently under review by the ICI as part of its broader investigation.
Beyond reviewing submitted evidence, the ICI is conducting parallel, on-the-ground inspections of flood control projects nationwide. A recent team, led by a Special Adviser, examined eight sites in Cebu, focusing on projects identified by the President himself.
Engineers are meticulously verifying whether project specifications were met, a critical step in determining the integrity of the work performed. These inspections are not isolated to Cebu; the ICI plans to extend its scrutiny to other regions in the coming weeks, pursuing a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure projects.
The commission’s commitment to rigorous verification and legally sound evidence underscores its determination to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, navigating a complex landscape of allegations and potential testimony.
