Opposition Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Sunday questioned the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), noting that the body has repeatedly sought assistance from multiple government offices while investigating alleged irregularities in public works projects. "I am asking how can their work be independent, while they are asking for help from the House of Representatives, asking for information from the Senate, from the Sandiganbayan, from the courts, and from all the offices of our government," Marcoleta said during the first day of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s three-day anti-corruption rally in Luneta. "It is not independent." The ICI’s investigations have focused on allegedly irregular infrastructure projects, beginning with flood control works. Marcoleta also questioned the transparency of the commission, claiming that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez had submitted an affidavit weeks ago that the ICI did not publicly disclose. "They are not showing their proceedings... The former speaker submitted an affidavit. Have they reported to you what is the content of the affidavit of Martin Romualdez? Is there anyone among you who knows?" he said. Earlier, ICI Chair Reyes said the commission is still evaluating whether to livestream its proceedings. He noted that resource persons may be potential witnesses who could face risks if their testimonies are broadcast. "No," he said when asked if they reported the contents of Martin Romualdez's affidavit.
