Manila: The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Monday sought to restore order in its investigation into flood control projects by moving the inquiry back under formal institutional channels. This decision came amid questions regarding the legitimacy of a June 4 event, where former bodyguards of fugitive lawmaker Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co presented fresh allegations during a session held at the Senate session hall.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who presided over the meeting, emphasized the need to obtain updates from executive agencies and to address the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized June 4 "press conference." Tulfo clarified that the event was portrayed as a Blue Ribbon proceeding without proper authorization from the committee chairperson or the Office of the Acting Senate President.
Tulfo criticized the event as an illegitimate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, describing it as "irregular" and a "make-believe investigation masquerading as an official Senate proceeding."
The meeting proceeded in the absence of Co's 18 former bodyguards, their lawyer Levito Baligod, and former Quezon City congressman Mike Defensor, all of whom had been invited to attend. Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed disappointment over their absence, which he said denied the senators the chance to examine the allegations in an official setting.
Gatchalian noted that he had prepared questions based on their sworn statements, highlighting "inconsistencies" and "gaps" that required clarification. He stressed the importance of the invited guests appearing to share the truth, regardless of their affiliations.
Sen. Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan, Blue Ribbon vice chairperson, clarified that Monday's proceedings were conducted as a consultation and organizational meeting rather than a formal committee hearing. The aim was to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of the panel's work pending its reorganization. Pangilinan defended the legality of the June 3 plenary session, which saw the election of Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and Tulfo as Blue Ribbon chairperson, asserting its compliance with the Constitution, Senate rules, and jurisprudence.
He declared the June 4 activity "illegal, void ab initio," and without binding effect. Tulfo underscored the committee's responsibility to base serious allegations on evidence and reliable testimony, not on unsupported claims. He also apologized to Senate media members accused of being paid hacks during the earlier proceedings, acknowledging the role of journalists in maintaining the institution's integrity by holding senators accountable.
