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ICI denies US interference; eyes filing another case referral to Ombudsman
Malacañang clarified that the visit of US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Kelleher to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) was a courtesy call, according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed the meeting was a courtesy call, during which Kelleher inquired about the ICI's mandate and investigation methodology.
Hosaka stated that no sensitive information was divulged to Kelleher, emphasizing that the US diplomat was merely asking questions about the ICI.
Castro emphasized that the US Embassy did not offer assistance to the ICI's ongoing probes and denied any discussion about foreign audit on foreign-assisted projects.
The visit had previously sparked concerns from Filipino groups like Pamalakaya and Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co regarding foreign interference.
Pamalakaya described the visit as 'unacceptable and insulting' given the ICI's stance on livestreaming hearings for transparency.
Additionally, Hosaka confirmed that the ICI is contemplating filing another case referral to the Office of the Ombudsman this week.
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