MANILA—Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to reverse its decision not to livestream its proceedings, stressing that transparency is key to public accountability.

“I urge the ICI to reconsider this decision. Transparency is fundamental to public accountability. With all due respect, the decision of the ICI to prevent the public from monitoring its proceedings online is ill-advised,” Pangilinan said in a post on his social media pages on September 29.

The ICI earlier cited the need to avoid “trial by publicity” and to prevent its hearings from being used for political leverage or agenda by individuals or groups.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said corruption scandals persist because of weaknesses in the justice system.

“The last nail on the coffin of public accountability is in the unacceptable delays in the resolution of corruption cases and the paltry conviction rates of 47 percent,” he said.

“Ultimately, punishing the guilty and ending massive corruption lies in the hands of the Justices and Judges of our country’s Judicial system,” he added.

The senator stressed that faster proceedings, heavier penalties, and making corruption a non-bailable offense are crucial to ensure accountability and good governance.

Pangilinan warned the ICI not to disregard the public’s demand for truth. “Do not test the people’s desire to know the truth,” he said.

“Baka magising ang mga miyembro ng ICI bukas at nag ra-rally na ang tao sa harap ng mga bahay ninyo,” he added.