Senate Blue Ribbon to resume probe into flood control anomalies on 19 January

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume its investigation into alleged anomalies in government flood control projects on 19 January 2026, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Sunday.

In a radio interview, Lacson said the committee will subpoena several individuals who were previously invited to the hearings but failed to appear.

These include former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, Meynard Ngu, and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.

“Olaivar and company were invited but did not show up. We already subpoenaed them. If they still won't show up, we can issue warrants for their arrest,” Lacson said, adding that he would recommend to the Senate President the issuance of arrest warrants if the resource persons continue to defy the committee.

Lacson said the panel also plans to seek clarification from the Department of Budget and Management and the Office of the Executive Secretary regarding the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) that allowed the disbursement of P50 billion from unprogrammed appropriations on December 27, 2024.

The committee is likewise considering inviting Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda-Leviste, subject to his consent and coordination with House leadership, to testify before the Senate. Legarda-Leviste earlier claimed he received documents from former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral allegedly detailing a list of flood control projects and corresponding fund allocations to legislative districts from 2023 to 2026, now referred to as the “Cabral files.”

Lacson said there are similarities between the documents in his possession and those made public by Legarda-Leviste, but noted that he has yet to see the “SAP” and “OP” documents mentioned by the congressman.

Asked whether the so-called Cabral files could already serve as a basis for filing cases against Cabinet members, Lacson said the documents must first be authenticated by the DPWH.