Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo said Wednesday he expects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to update the public on corruption cases filed and government funds recovered through restitution. In an ambush interview at the Senate, Tulfo said there were indications that the administration, through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman, had begun pursuing cases against individuals allegedly involved in corruption.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo mentioned that some cases and restitution efforts may not yet be widely known, citing information that certain respondents had been asked to return amounts reaching PHP1 billion and PHP500 million. Tulfo, however, clarified that he had no confirmed figure on how much the government had recovered so far. He noted that based on circulating information, it appears several billion pesos have already been obtained in restitution.

Tulfo said an official report during the SONA could clarify the number of cases filed, the amounts being sought or recovered, and the government's next steps in its campaign against corruption. Meanwhile, Tulfo assured the public that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee would proceed with its investigation into questionable flood-control projects after the SONA.

He said the panel must first complete its membership and designate a vice chairperson before it can formally begin the inquiry. Tulfo emphasized that the investigation into flood-control projects is a priority and assured that the Senate is committed to addressing this issue. He added that the committee's composition is expected to be finalized after the SONA, stressing that proper organization is necessary before the powerful panel could hold hearings.