The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects remains ongoing, with a draft partial report still under revision as of Sunday, February 8. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stated that concerns raised by members of the majority bloc are being addressed, but the core findings of the report are unlikely to change.
Report Details and Potential Charges
The draft report recommends plunder and malversation charges against Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva, as well as former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. It likewise implicates fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Manuel Bonoan, along with several others, based on testimony from former public works engineers.
A key hurdle remains: the report requires 11 signatures to proceed to plenary discussion. At least one signature from the Senate minority bloc, specifically from minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano, is needed. If the minority leader does not sign, the committee will demand to determine how to proceed under Senate rules.
Possible Outcomes
Lacson indicated that if 11 signatures cannot be secured, the report may be sent to the Bills, and Index. Alternatively, he is open to submitting the report to the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a “Chairman’s Report” if requested. He emphasized that evidence gathered during the committee’s hearings has already led to the filing of cases against some individuals.
The current draft is considered a “partial” report and does not include findings from the committee’s seventh hearing. Lacson stated that the Blue Ribbon Committee plans to hold one or two additional hearings before finalizing the complete report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s report?
The draft partial committee report is still a work in progress, with revisions being made to address concerns raised by members of the majority bloc.
Who is implicated in the draft report?
The draft report recommends charges against Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva, as well as former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Zaldy Co, and former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan, among others.
What happens if the report doesn’t secure enough signatures?
If the report does not receive 11 signatures, it could be referred to the Bills and Index, or Lacson may submit it as a “Chairman’s Report” to the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice if requested.
Given the complexities of securing consensus and the potential for further hearings, what will ultimately determine the fate of this investigation and its findings?
