The Senate’s investigation into alleged corruption in the government’s flood control projects is set to resume later this month, acting Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Erwin Tulfo announced Thursday.
Tulfo said the hearings could take place around October 22 to 27, depending on the schedules of lawmakers. He explained that the inquiry was earlier delayed because many senators were preoccupied with ongoing budget hearings.
The inquiry was initially suspended under former Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who later stepped down from the post after disagreements among senators over the direction of the probe. Tulfo has since taken over in an acting capacity.
Big Names in the Hot Seat
Tulfo confirmed plans to invite former Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to face the panel.
Both are accused of alleged kickbacks and questionable budget insertions linked to flood control and infrastructure projects. While Romualdez will only be invited out of respect for inter-parliamentary courtesy, Tulfo stressed that Co may face a subpoena if he ignores the invitation.
“We won’t allow anyone linked to the controversy to escape accountability,” Tulfo vowed, noting that the committee will also follow up on witnesses’ claims involving the staff of certain lawmakers.
Expanding the Probe
After the flood control hearings, the Blue Ribbon Committee may also turn its attention to alleged anomalies in farm-to-market road (FMR) projects, following Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s revelation that around ₱10.3 billion worth of projects in 2023 and 2024 were overpriced.
With the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) citing 4,000 to 8,000 flood control projects nationwide, Tulfo stressed the need for strict certification by both DPWH and the Commission on Audit (COA). He warned against substandard work and ghost projects, saying Filipinos deserve real solutions, not wasted funds.
Fighting Corruption, Protecting Public Trust
Tulfo emphasized that the ultimate goal of the hearings is not just accountability, but legislation that will once and for all curb corruption in government projects.
“I’m only filling in as acting chair,” Tulfo added, explaining that Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is still in the process of selecting a permanent head of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
As the hearings resume, the spotlight remains fixed on whether the Senate can finally uncover the truth behind billions worth of questionable flood control projects—and if justice will be served for taxpayers whose money may have been misused.
