Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Facade of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) headquarters in Taguig City Photo taken on October 15, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Jamaine Punzalan

Johnson Manabat

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176463833139320251015-ici-headquarters-MT5.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Facade of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) headquarters in Taguig City Photo taken on October 15, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA (UPDATE) — Laguna Fourth District Rep. Benjamin &quot;Benjie&quot; Agarao Jr. appeared. Tuesday before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) during its first-ever livestreamed hearing on flood control scandal.</p><p>Agarao denied personal ties to contractor-spouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who had accused him and other politicians of benefiting from kickbacks from flood control projects.</p><p>“Hindi ko po sila personal na kilala,” Agarao said of the Discayas.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/8/disacayas-says-corrupt-officials-used-them-in-anomalous-bidding-1114">Discaya couple says lawmakers, DPWH execs &#x27;used&#x27; them in flood control anomalies</a></div><p>He added that he did not authorize a certain Alvin Mariano to allegedly transact with the Discayas on his behalf.</p><p>“Alam ko lang po contractor po siya… Pero yun pong malapit, wala po akong mahabang relasyon po,” Agarao said.</p><p>“Hindi ko po alam kung anong motibo ng mag-asawang Discaya. Wala po akong masabi kasi nga po, hindi po ako nakaupo doon sa sinasabi nilang panahon. Hindi ko po lubos maisip na mabanggit niya po ako at paratangan ng sa tingin ko po&#x27;y maling paratang na talagang ang pamilya ko po ay naapektuhan nang husto,&quot; he added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/21/ici-bares-guidelines-on-livestreaming-of-hearings-1332">ICI bares guidelines on livestreaming of hearings</a></div><p>The lawmaker said he would consult his family and lawyers on possible legal action against the Discayas. </p><p>“Natural lang po sa sarili ko po, ayaw kong palampasin ang kalapastanganang ginawa ni Discaya sa aking pagkatao,&quot; Agarao said. </p><p>In October, the ICI announced it was <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/22/ici-to-livestream-probe-after-transparency-calls-1439">lifting </a>its closed-door policy for investigations involving billions-worth of flood control projects.</p><p>The investigative body announced its rules and procedures on livestreaming the following month.</p><p>In the same rule, resource persons and government agencies may request for an executive session so long as there is a valid reason for such proceedings.</p><div><em>More details to follow.</em></div>

<p>The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday launched its YouTube Livestream Channel, where public hearings on flood control mess are set to be broadcast.</p>

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday launched its YouTube Livestream Channel, where public hearings on flood control mess are set to be broadcast.

ICI livestream starts; Laguna solon Agarao denies ties to Discayas

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ICI livestream starts; Laguna solon Agarao denies ties to Discayas

Jamaine Punzalan,

Johnson Manabat,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 02, 2025 09:15 AM PHT

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Updated December 02, 2025 10:04 AM PHT

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