Blue Ribbon Committee to turn over flood control probe to Ombudsman— Senator Erwin Tulfo

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will formally turn over its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects to the Office of the Ombudsman, its chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo said Friday.

Tulfo said Ombudsman Boying Remulla met with him and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday, August 7, for what he described as a coordination meeting on cases that may be pursued by the two offices.

“Initially, napag-usapan namin ni Ombudsman na everything that has to do with flood control sila na maghahawak kasi ang dami na rin ongoing,” Tulfo said.

“So, kung baka pakialaman pa namin, mapurnada pa and we don't want to do that. So what he was saying, ‘kami nang bahala,’ maybe you can start looking for ika nga other mga cases pag may mga dinala sa amin sa Senate,” he added.

Asked whether Remulla himself requested that the Ombudsman take over the investigation, Tulfo said, “That is what he said, gusto niya kung pwede para hindi na baka bumangga pa dun sa investigation nila. Kasi ganun din naman. Diba mag-i-investigate ka, if you're a fact-finding guy, you're investigating also.”

Tulfo said he would meet with members of the Blue Ribbon Committee to facilitate the turnover of documents related to the flood control investigation to the Ombudsman.

The senator also said he would not interfere with a separate investigation being pursued by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson into alleged corruption involving public works projects in Taguig, saying the matter could be handled by Remulla’s office.

“So napag-usapan din namin ni Senator Ping, sabi niya para mas mabilis. So hindi ko na papakialaman. Ayaw ko naman ika nga pakialaman yung gusto niya. Nakakahiya naman po ‘yun,” he said.

With the flood control probe set to be turned over, Tulfo said the Blue Ribbon Committee is preparing to investigate another issue.

He declined to identify the subject of the upcoming probe, saying the panel was still gathering information, but hinted that it involves a high-ranking official and an issue of public concern.

“We're still gathering information. Don't want to make any comment. Ayoko na pangunahan, pero definitely. Ginagamit po natin lahat everyday,” he said.