The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumes its investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects on Monday, June 8, under new chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo.
The hearing marks the first official legislative business for the 12-member bloc led by Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian after last week’s leadership changes. Tulfo invited 18 self-styled bagmen, mostly former soldiers, who testified at a June 4 proceeding led by the Cayetano faction. Gatchalian described the earlier event as unofficial and lacking legal standing or Senate personnel. He urged the 18 men to attend today’s hearing to substantiate their claims of kickbacks from flood control projects. Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was also invited. Flood control contractor Curlee Discaya, under Senate custody, will be turned over to the Philippine National Police today and is not invited to the hearing.
