Senate probe on flood control scam to resume on June 4 —Alan Cayetano

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said that Senator Rodante Marcoleta is tasked on Monday, June 1, to issue the notices to continue the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s flood control scandal hearing on Thursday, June 4.

“We finished a caucus over lunch, and we agree subject to some minor discussion… that a subcommittee will be formed for the flood control, and Senator Marcoleta will issue the notices on Monday to continue on sa Thursday the flood control scam hearings,” he said in his Facebook live.

Marcoleta is the vice chairperson of the Blue Ribbon panel.

Cayetano said the flood control probe is one of the three main issues that the Senate will prioritize, together with issues in relation to the economic crisis and the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Not legal

Senator Vicente Sotto III raised questions on the planned move to issue a notice or hearing when the panel has yet to be organized.

"Let's see what happens on Monday first. Besides, bakit vice chairman ng hindi organized committee mag-issue ng notice? (Why is the vice chairman of a committee that has yet to be organized issuing a notice?)," Sotto told reporters when asked for his comment.

When told that a sub-committee has been created, Sotto said, "Paano magcrecreate ng sub-committee na hindi sa plenary ginawa? (How can they create a sub-committee outside of plenary?) Not legal."

In April, former Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Panfilo Lacson suspended further hearings on the flood control scandal until the panel has at least nine signatures from the committee members to sponsor and present the partial report on the controversy.

Earlier in May, Lacson reported that seven senators had signed the partial report. Legislators who have affixed their signatures are Lacson, Senators Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Erwin Tulfo, and Kiko Pangilinan.

According to Lacson, the partial report on the flood control controversy could be placed in the archives if the panel fails to secure enough signatures by the time the 20th Congress adjourns sine die on June 5, 2026.—LDF, GMA News