Sotto says draft report on flood control mess not official after 3 senators withdraw signatures

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Tuesday confirmed that three senators withdrew their signatures from a supposed draft report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation of the alleged corruption and anomalies in flood control projects across the country.

He said the signed draft was “not an official report” and that it is still up for discussion.

In a message to Senate reporters, Sotto confirmed the withdrawal of the signatures of Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian from the draft report.

“Because it’s not an official report. The official one will be discussed tomorrow… Kaya nag-withdraw ‘yung nag-sign eh draft for discussion pa lang ‘yan (They withdrew from signing because it’s just a draft for discussion),” Sotto said.

Sotto said the source of the leaked draft was “masyadong hot (too eager).”

“Embarrassing,” the Senate President added.

Sought for comment, Zubiri said the letter – addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate blue ribbon panel – was “self-explanatory.”

“Too early to sign any committee report as it’s still being finalized,” the Senate Majority Leader said.

Lacson, in a separate message to reporters, said the draft committee report was “withdrawn because many members want to discuss it first,” in accordance with the Senate’s rules of procedure on inquiries in aid of legislation.

“There is no partial committee report by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the flood control project issue as of this time,” he said.

Lacson added: “A draft partial committee report is to be discussed with the committee's members tomorrow, as many members want to discuss it first. It is in accordance with our rules of procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation.” — With reports from Giselle Ombay/JMA, GMA Integrated News