Manila: The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is preparing to turn its investigative spotlight on substandard roads and bridges as it steps away from flood-control cases that will now be left largely to the Office of the Ombudsman. Committee chair Senator Erwin Tulfo said Thursday the proposed shift is being discussed with Blue Ribbon Vice Chair Francis Pangilinan and Senator Panfilo Lacson as the panel maps out its next investigations. According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo mentioned in a radio interview that the plan of Vice Chair Kiko Pangilinan and Senator Ping Lacson is to investigate these substandard roads and bridges. Tulfo emphasized that flood-control controversies would instead be left to the Ombudsman to avoid duplicating investigations and delaying possible cases against public officials and other individuals found liable. Tulfo further explained that when it comes to flood control, the committee will leave these matters to the Ombudsman to expedite accountability for involved government offici als. He clarified that Blue Ribbon investigations are conducted in aid of legislation and do not result directly in criminal prosecution. Even if the committee finds sufficient basis to recommend charges, Tulfo stated that its findings would still need to be forwarded to the Ombudsman, which would conduct its own proceedings. He expressed a preference for cases to go directly to the Ombudsman, citing his confidence in Ombudsman Boying Remulla. Tulfo also mentioned that the committee has already handed over documents related to flood-control projects to the Ombudsman. The shift in focus comes as Tulfo prepares to convene the Blue Ribbon Committee following the entry of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano as a member. Tulfo said he would meet with committee members to determine the panel's direction, with potentially defective roads and bridges emerging as its next major area of scrutiny.