Senate Blue Ribbon committee to probe flood control anomalies

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson confirmed the Senate Blue Ribbon committee will continue its investigation into flood control anomalies, stating it is complementary to the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Lacson promised to maintain a "blindfold mentality" during the hearings, meaning he will not be partial and will exclude no one from the investigation, regardless of their position.

This approach is in response to allegations made by a sacked DPWH assistant district engineer naming Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada in flood control project kickbacks.

The evidence gathered by the Senate committee could be forwarded to the ICI for potential prosecution.

Additionally, the hearings may lead to the crafting of new legislation requiring the disclosure of proponents of budget insertions as an anti-corruption measure.

The Blue Ribbon committee's next hearing is scheduled for September 18 and is expected to summon officials from the DPWH and DBM, as well as private contractors.