Metro Manila, Philippines – The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday, June 4, pushed through with its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects despite the ongoing leadership dispute in the chamber.
Committee chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano accompanied the former marines whom she presented as witnesses during the inquiry. Cayetano claimed the witnesses had previously been prevented from attending the proceedings and were brought to the Senate directly to ensure they could testify.
Blue Ribbon Committee co-chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta said more witnesses had been invited but were not present at the hearing.
During the hearing, all 18 witnesses raised their hands when asked if they had allegedly delivered bags of cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The committee is currently investigating claims of widespread corruption within flood control infrastructure programs, including allegations of kickbacks sourced from ghost projects.
Also present during the proceedings were Senators Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla.
