ICI to livestream hearings on YouTube, Facebook for transparency

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will livestream all its hearings on YouTube and Facebook starting next week to ensure transparency.

Media outlets must apply for broadcast access and commit to covering entire proceedings, with violators facing sanctions.

The ICI can hold closed-door sessions if requested by an investigating body, resource person, or witness with sufficient factual and legal bases.

Only specific agencies like the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation can request these executive sessions.

The guidelines also authorize the ICI to pixelate images, mute audio, or redact documents presented during the hearings when necessary.

Repeat airing of the livestream or its audio-visual recording is not allowed without the commission's prior written approval, though brief footage may be used for news reporting.

The guidelines will also apply retroactively to previous testimonies and submitted documents.