Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo announced that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will invite witnesses who participated in the Cayetano-led 'forum' when the panel resumes its flood control probe on Monday. Tulfo, recently elected as the chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee, stated that the hearing was rescheduled to Monday to ensure order and allow all senators, including Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies, to participate in the proceedings.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo emphasized that the committee will extend invitations to all individuals who were present at the forum, including the Marines and former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez. He clarified that the event on Thursday was not an official Blue Ribbon inquiry but rather a press conference or forum without official sanction from the committee.
Tulfo further stated that the official Blue Ribbon hearing had been rescheduled to Monday, and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian had confirmed that no hearing would be held on Thursday. He mentioned that the proceedings from Thursday would not be part of the Senate record due to the absence of official staff required for documentation.
He reiterated that Monday's hearing would provide members of the Cayetano bloc the opportunity to question the same resource persons through the official Blue Ribbon process. Tulfo emphasized the importance of attendance, suggesting it would be a missed opportunity if they chose not to participate. Surprise witnesses will not be allowed, and all committee members will be informed in advance of those appearing before the panel.
Tulfo warned that invited witnesses are expected to attend, and those who fail to do so without a valid reason may face contempt charges. He mentioned that the committee is planning a second hearing towards the end of June to accommodate additional resource persons not included in the initial list of invitees. When asked about the possibility of inviting former Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief Adrian Bersamin, former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, Tulfo indicated that they could be included in the next round of invitations.
