Photo credit: BAYAN - Bagong Alyansang Makabayan

MANILA — The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) has welcomed the livestreaming of the Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) hearings but cautioned that transparency will be meaningless if the investigation spares powerful officials and focuses only on low-level players in the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scam.

The group voiced concern over recent remarks by ICI Executive Director Brian Hoska and Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin, who said that no high-ranking officials have been identified so far in the ongoing probe. BAYAN noted that the ICI is preparing to recommend the filing of 15 cases—mostly against contractors and district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to BAYAN, this approach raises doubts about the integrity of the investigation, especially since multiple whistleblowers have already testified before Congress and the Senate linking legislators and other high officials to alleged kickbacks from questionable flood control projects. The group argued that ignoring such testimonies could either be a deliberate attempt to cover up the truth or a sign of failure to pursue the evidence where it leads.

BAYAN also urged the ICI to make its process more transparent by uploading videos of previous hearings, particularly those involving testimonies from lawmakers, DPWH officials, and contractors such as the Discaya couple. The group said that while livestreaming is a positive step, it will amount to little if the inquiry shields those at the top of the corruption chain.

The organization stressed that true accountability should begin with those in power, not just the fixers or contractors. It maintained that the masterminds behind the alleged scam are the legislators and executive officials who enabled the misuse of public funds.

BAYAN further warned that public confidence in the ICI could erode if it turns into another venue for protecting influential figures. The group said there is already sufficient testimony and documentation to trace how billions in taxpayers’ money were lost and questioned whether the commission was created merely to punish minor players rather than pursue the key perpetrators.

Finally, BAYAN vowed to continue mobilizing the public to demand justice and full accountability. The group said that if the commission fails to hold top officials responsible, citizens will take their demands for truth and justice to the streets.