The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has restored invitations to 18 former military personnel for its June 4 hearing on the flood control scandal after briefly withdrawing them.
The committee, chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano, withdrew the invitations on Monday via email to lawyer Levito Baligod. The move was later reversed, allowing the hearing to proceed as planned.
Baligod had posted the withdrawal notice on social media and accused the Senate of self-immolation amid a majority bloc absence. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the hearing would continue.
The 18 individuals, including Belnard Tube and others, have alleged delivering P805 billion in kickbacks related to flood control projects. They face charges before the Department of Justice for perjury and other offenses.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta is expected to lead the inquiry as subcommittee chair.
