DESPITE MOUNTING CALLS for transparency in its investigation into the flood control scandal, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) stood firm on its policy — keeping the probe away from the general public.
This comes as ICI member, former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson defended the need to maintain a closed-door policy in the process of interrogating “persons of interest” even as he likened the ICI task to a police investigation.
According to Singson, the investigation is kept away from the public eye — through the media — so as not to jeopardize the process.
“The mandate of ICI under EO 94 is to investigate. May nakita ka na ba na police investigation na may kasamang media, di ba wala. So we are trying to get as much information, which the people being investigated have to sign and submit sworn affidavits and exhibits,” Singson said.
PROPERLY DOCUMENTED
He also assured that the entire proceedings are properly documented if only to ensure that nothing suspicious that would compromise the investigation would take place.
All the investigations are properly taped and video recorded. Then we pass everything to the Ombudsman, which has the power to have them jailed or penalized,” Singson said in an interview with broadcaster Karen Davila.
He said they make everything as thorough as possible so “hindi na paulit ulit as the people are expecting results fast.”
Among the top personalities who have undergone interrogation by the ICI members include former Public Works and Highways Secretary (now senator) Mark Villar and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
WITNESS PROTECTION
Interestingly, Singson declined to provide a categorical answer on the question as to whether or not the ICI has the power to recommend witnesses for inclusion in the government’s witness protection program.
He instead insisted that persons made to appear in the ICI proceedings who were invited to shed light on the flood control scandal are considered suspects.
“Why should we do that? They were involved so why should they become witnesses?”
Under Republic Act 6981, any person who has witnessed or has knowledge or information on the commission of a crime may qualify for the government’s witness protection program, but with conditions — “testifying before any judicial or quasi-judicial body, or before any investigating authority.”
STATE WITNESSES
Under RA 6981, any person involved in or has knowledge considered essential for the prosecution of a serious crime may apply with the Department of Justice as a witness for the state, subject to certain conditions.
Among the conditions to become a state witness is that the applicant must not appear to be the most guilty.
In the case of the Discaya couple in their capacity as private contractors, dismissed DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza as implementors, and the likes of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and minion fugitive Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, may avail witness protection but may not qualify as state witnesses since they appear to be the most guilty.