Senate to continue flood control probe even with creation of independent body

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Friday that the Senate blue ribbon committee will continue its investigation into the anomalies in flood control projects even with the recent creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). 

“[House of Representatives] might terminate. Not the Senate. We will continue in aid of legislation,” Sotto told reporters. 

The blue ribbon committee, now chaired by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, is conducting a motu proprio inquiry in aid of legislation on “The Philippines under Water” and the privilege speech of Lacson regarding the irregularities in the flood control projects in several parts of the country. 

The panel’s next hearing is scheduled next Thursday, September 18.

The House of Representatives, on the other hand, has also initiated its own hearings into the matter. 

Independent Commission on Infrastructure

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 94 creating the ICI that will investigate and undertake appropriate measures against those involved in irregularities in government infrastructure projects. 

The independent body has the authority to issue subpoenas for attendance of witnesses and production of documents necessary for its fact-finding and investigation activities, specifically, subpoena ad testificandum and duces tecum in accordance with relevant laws, rules and regulations.

It can also recommend to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the admission of a person as a state witness, in cases where there is a need to utilize a person as a state witness, to ensure that the ends of justice be fully served, provided such person qualifies as a state witness under the Rules of Court of the Philippines. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News