Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Sunday said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will issue subpoenas to several personalities who were previously invited to hearings on alleged anomalies in government flood control projects but failed to appear, as the panel resumes its probe on 19 January 2026.
In a radio interview, Lacson said those set to be subpoenaed include former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, Meynard Ngu, and former Ako Bicol Partylist 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 also said the panel intends 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 27 December 2024.
The committee is also considering inviting Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, subject to his consent and coordination with House leadership, to testify before the Senate.
Leviste earlier claimed that 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 Leviste, but noted that he has yet to see the “SAP” and “OP” documents mentioned by the congressman.
When asked whether the Cabral files would be a sufficient basis to file cases against Cabinet members, Lacson said the documents must first be authenticated by the DPWH.