The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal will wrap up with two more hearings next month, Acting Chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo said on Saturday, October 11.
Tulfo announced that the next hearing is tentatively set for November 10, following the Senate’s month-long recess, to allow senators currently on official trips to attend. The sessions will culminate in a partial committee report, after which the committee will open a new round of inquiries into the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) spending on farm-to-market road (FMR) projects.
Tulfo said he intends to continue the probe initiated by former Blue Ribbon Chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson, which includes summoning former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, both linked to alleged project kickbacks.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III supported the move, saying Co may be compelled to appear and could face arrest for contempt if he continues to ignore the summons, while Romualdez may be invited under inter-parliamentary courtesy.
The committee will also invite Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to explain reports that some DPWH farm-to-market road projects were overpriced by P10 billion, allegedly involving Hi-Tone Construction, a firm linked to Co.
Tulfo emphasized that the Blue Ribbon Committee’s role is “not to prosecute but to craft laws” to prevent lawmakers and their allies from exploiting the national budget. He said forthcoming recommendations may include perpetual disqualification from public office for officials proven to have interfered with the National Expenditure Program or diverted unprogrammed funds for political use.
Tulfo also urged Orly Guteza, Co’s alleged security consultant who testified about delivering suitcases of cash to Romualdez and Co, to reappear before the committee. Guteza has reportedly gone missing since his initial testimony.
