Malacañang Affirms ICI’s Authority to Hold Closed-Door Sessions Amid Flood Project Probe

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) possesses the legal authority to approve requests for closed-door hearings from resource persons involved in its ongoing probe.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that the ICI is best positioned to determine the appropriateness of executive sessions, which are sometimes necessary despite the commission livestreaming its proceedings. "They know better what is happening in their hearing," she stated in response to concerns that such sessions might compromise transparency.

The remarks came after the ICI granted executive sessions on Tuesday for Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde and Caloocan City 3rd District Representative Dean Asistio, citing the presence of sensitive and confidential information during their testimonies.

Castro emphasized the commission’s independence, underscoring its discretion in managing procedural matters: "It is difficult to preempt the rules and policies of the ICI. This is created, established by the President, but that’s the reason why it’s called an independent commission."

She added that Malacañang would not interfere in the ICI’s internal processes, reinforcing confidence in the body’s capacity to balance transparency with the need to protect sensitive details.

Currently, the ICI is investigating allegations of a multi-billion-peso scandal involving flood control projects and potential misconduct by various government officials.

The commission’s work aims to ensure accountability and integrity in infrastructure projects critical to public safety and welfare.