Senate Blue Ribbon to probe ‘anomalous’ flood control projects 

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to open a formal investigation into alleged irregularities in multi-billion-peso flood control projects next week. 

This was announced by the panel’s chairperson, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, in a television interview on Saturday, acknowledging the scale and complexity of the inquiry. 

Marcoleta described it as a “challenging task” due to the web of corruption allegedly involving both public officials and private contractors.

He lamented the enormity of the multi-billion-dollar projects and the complexity of untangling anomalies within the public works system.

“Sa Martes uumpisahan ko na yung flood control investigation sa Blue Ribbon. Medyo challenging yan, mahirap talaga sa laki ng problemang kinakaharap natin d’yan (On Tuesday, I will begin the flood control investigation at the Blue Ribbon [Committee]. It's going to be quite challenging, it’s really difficult because of the magnitude of the problem we’re facing),” he said. 

“Ngunit ako’y naniniwala na kaya nating imbestigahan yan. Makipag-cooperate lang ang taong bayan, matutukoy natin kung sino may mga kasalanan d’yan (But I believe that we can investigate it. As long as the public cooperates, we will be able to identify who is at fault),” he assured.

He added, however, that the investigation could make significant headway with the cooperation of key witnesses and the broader public.

Marcos said the probe aims not only to scrutinize project contractors but also to expose government officials allegedly profiting from the flawed implementation of flood mitigation programs. 

He then emphasized that these projects, often substandard due to corruption, result in devastating consequences for vulnerable communities.

The senator then lamented that after corrupt officials have taken their ‘cuts,’ more than half the cost of the project would have already been spent.

“Saan mo ngayon kukunin? Kaya nga yung quality, yung integrity, ng ginawang project ay talagang nasasakripisyo (Where will you get it now? That’s why the quality, the integrity of the project being done is really being sacrificed),” he said.

Marcoleta hinted at a possible bribery in government infrastructure projects. 

“Sabihin n’yo kung magkano binibigay n'yo sa mga taong gobyerno para hindi kayo ang madidikdik d’yan. O yan lang muna ang aking masasabi (Tell how much you’re giving to government officials so that you won’t be the ones to take the fall. That’s all I have to say for now),” he said. 

Marcoleta also called on the public to contribute to the investigation by submitting reliable information, photos, or documents.

“Lahat po ng mamamayan na may kakayahan na makipag-ugnayan sa aking opisina, basta po may maitutulong kayo tatanggapin po namin yan (All citizens who have the ability to coordinate with my office,  as long as you have something to contribute, we will accept it),” he said.

He added that while many have already submitted information, it must all be carefully vetted to guard against misinformation or AI-generated content.

The first public hearing and organizational meeting of the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigation (Blue Ribbon Committee) will take place on Tuesday, 19 August, at 10:00 AM in the Senate session hall.