ABS-CBN
US Embassy official's visit to ICI office raises questions
A senior United States Embassy official, Michael Kelleher, visited the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to discuss its mandate and functions, particularly concerning investigations into corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka stated that the US, as a country with significant commercial interests in the Philippines, is interested in the ICI's planned actions to address corruption in flood control and other anomalous infrastructure projects.
The meeting, however, has raised questions from Filipino groups such as Pamalakaya and Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co regarding transparency and potential foreign interference.
Pamalakaya criticized the ICI for welcoming a foreign diplomat with open arms while rejecting calls for transparency and public hearings.
Representative Co questioned the US's apparent desire for interference while the ICI avoids transparency.
Hosaka mentioned that Kelleher inquired about the ICI's past, present, and future actions, but no offer of assistance was made by the US during the meeting.
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House Deputy Minority Leader and Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila De Lima urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to livestream its probe into anomalous infrastructure projects.
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Vice President Sara Duterte questioned the purpose of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), suggesting its creation aims to legitimize the government's narrative on corruption.
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The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) plans to file 15 to 20 referral complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman.
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Palace press officer Claire Castro questioned Vice President Sara Duterte's motives for challenging the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) flood control probe, suggesting the Vice President might be afraid of what the investigation could uncover.
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Contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya invoked their right against self-incrimination before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on October 15, withdrawing cooperation with the investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.
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