House OKs tri-committee probe on flood control projects

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives authorized three committees to conduct a joint investigation into flood control projects following the President's order to probe potential corruption in these initiatives.

The lower chamber adopted House Resolution 145, which authorizes the Committees on Public Accounts, Public Works and Highways, and Good Government and Public Accountability to investigate the implementation of flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and related agencies.

Rep. Leila de Lima objected to the resolution citing a potential conflict of interest due to existing reports and speculations about possible involvement of certain House members in these projects, arguing that public perception would be negatively affected.

Terry Ridon, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, defended the creation of the tri-committee known as the House Infrastructure Committee or InfraComm, stating it would be fair because it is evidence-driven and project-driven.

Ridon assured that any legislators implicated during hearings will have the chance to respond before being referred to an impartial third-party body like DEPDev for further investigation, and emphasized that the probe aims to uncover all controversies related to flood control projects.

The joint panel will begin its hearings in approximately two weeks with contempt and subpoena powers, inviting contractors, officials involved, and potentially Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong if he intends to name lawmakers, as well as Vice President Sara Duterte who has alleged some contractors work for unnamed House members.