(UPDATE) SENATE President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate would continue its investigation of anomalous flood control projects despite the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
Malacañang has issued Executive Order (EO) 94 creating the ICI that will investigate the projects.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the House of Representatives are conducting their respective inquiries into the alleged massive corruption in the government’s flood control projects.
In a text message on Friday, Sotto said the House “might terminate. [But] Not the Senate. We will continue [our investigation] in aid of legislation.”
Signed on Sept. 11 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, EO 94 directed the ICI to prioritize the investigation of anomalous flood control and other government infrastructure projects, submit monthly reports to the Office of the President and publish its accomplishments.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said he would adopt a “blindfold mentality” in presiding over the Blue Ribbon panel’s probe.
“It is not right to be partial, much less to cover up for someone, because that will disrupt the investigation,” Lacson said in Filipino in a radio interview.
He said on Friday there was no need to stop the Senate inquiry now that Malacañang has created the ICI since they “should complement each other.”
The Blue Ribbon Committee’s next hearing on flood control projects is scheduled for Sept. 18.
Lacson said the P355-million insertion in the 2025 budget, one of the subjects of the investigation, has “brought to light the need to identify the proponents of amendments or insertions in crafting the budget.”
“Let me emphasize that the committee’s ongoing inquiry is in aid of legislation and does not intend to target any senator or congressman, particularly Sen. Jinggoy Estrada,” Lacson said.
On Friday, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said he has formed a special team to go after contractors allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.
Dizon said the task force will focus on recovering public funds and holding erring contractors accountable. He stressed that asset-freezing and forfeiture proceedings — covering bonds, security deposits and warranties — are being prepared.
“Whoever the evidence points to, that’s where we will go. As the President said, we will spare no one — no friends, no relatives and no allies,” Dizon said in Filipino during a press briefing.
He noted that the initiative complements the ICI’s mandate.
Dizon also confirmed that he is seeking a dialogue with Sen. Mark Villar, who served as DPWH chief from 2016 to 2021, to review flood control and other projects implemented under Villar’s watch.
Dizon said he intends to consult all former DPWH secretaries for guidance and clarification. He has already met with Rogelio Singson and Jose “Ping” de Jesus.
“I want to know his inputs… I have some questions, clarifications on the growth of certain contractors that have been mentioned,” Dizon said, referring to admissions by contractor Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya that her company began expanding significantly in 2016, the year Villar assumed office.
Dizon said he hopes to meet Villar before traveling to Baguio City next week to inspect a substandard project approved during Villar’s tenure. While acknowledging his personal friendship with the senator, Dizon maintained that accountability would not spare allies.
“The [President’s] directive is clear: No friends, no relatives, no allies, no party mates. Whoever must be held accountable should be held accountable,” he said.
