DOJ to balance transparency, confidentiality in release of ICI report

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would carefully balance transparency and confidentiality in deciding which portions of the report by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) could be disclosed to the public. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the report, submitted to the department in late March, is still under review, with officials working to separate sensitive case information from portions that may be released. “We need to sift through the records. The confidential report, particularly the case data, that’s something we cannot disclose, that's sensitive information,” Vida said. The ICI report, which has drawn public and congressional interest, contains findings and recommendations related to anomalous infrastructure projects, including alleged irregularities that may have legal implications. Vida said the DOJ recognized the public’s right to information but stressed that disclosures must not compromise ongoing investigations or violate confidentiality rules. “As to the parts that are not confidential, definitely the public has the right to know,” he said, adding that the department will release information “to the extent appropriate.” The DOJ chief noted that information tied to active preliminary investigations or cases already filed would be handled with caution to avoid affecting proceedings. “If it relates to our cases, we don’t want that disclosed in a way that could affect the process,” he said. The justice chief added that certain portions of the report—particularly those involving systems or proposals developed by the ICI—may be referred back to the commission for disclosure. “There are parts of the report about a system that the ICI is creating. That would be more for them to disclose since they are the originator,” he said. Vida also acknowledged that the DOJ has yet to complete a full review of the document, noting that the evaluation process involves determining which information may already be shared, especially if it pertains to cases that have been filed or referred to the Office of the Ombudsman. Calls to release the full ICI report have intensified in recent days, with lawmakers and the public invoking transparency. The DOJ, however, maintained that any disclosure must be weighed against the integrity of ongoing legal processes and the protection of sensitive information. The department said it would provide updates once the review is completed.

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