EXPLAINER: What is the role of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee?

When there are allegations of corruption, mismanagement, or abuse of power involving government officials and agencies, the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations—better known as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee—may launch an inquiry.

The committee has jurisdiction over officials and employees of all branches of government and agencies, as well as state-affiliated offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

Under its rules, anchored on Section 21, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, the Blue Ribbon Committee may investigate matters involving public sector malfeasance (intentional wrongdoing or unlawful acts), misfeasance (improper performance of a lawful duty), and nonfeasance (failure to perform an official duty).

The committee is headed by a chairperson who presides over hearings and meetings. The chair may designate one or more vice chairpersons to assist in its functions.

It may initiate investigations through referrals from the Senate or the President. It may also conduct inquiries motu proprio, or on its own initiative, even without a formal complaint.

If a referral is made but the chair declines to act on it, at least five committee members may file a petition to proceed with the investigation.

All actions and decisions of the committee must be reported to the Committee on Rules.

In cases where jurisdiction is challenged, the committee must first resolve the issue before proceeding. If a quorum is present and a majority votes in favor of continuing, the objection is overruled and the hearing proceeds.

Unlike a court, however, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee does not impose penalties. Its hearings are conducted “in aid of legislation.”

The possible outcomes of its investigations are either a recommendation to amend or craft legislation, or a referral to the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman for further investigation or filing of charges against those found to have violated the law.

Over the years, the committee has handled several high-profile cases. These include the 2005 “Hello Garci” controversy, where then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was accused of electoral fraud in the 2004 elections, which she denied.

It also investigated the 2007 National Broadband Network (NBN)-ZTE deal, involving an alleged anomalous $329-million contract awarded to a Chinese firm.

In 2013, the panel looked into lawmakers accused of diverting their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel funds, to fake non-government organizations linked to Janet Lim-Napoles in exchange for kickbacks.

The committee also conducted hearings on the Dengvaxia controversy, involving the administration of a dengue vaccine to recipients later found to be ineligible.

More recently, the Blue Ribbon Committee has been investigating alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.—Vince Angelo Ferreras, with research from GMA DigiLab/MCG, GMA News