Senator Erwin Tulfo: Blue Ribbon Committee to resume flood control investigation

Senator Erwin Tulfo said the Blue Ribbon Committee will resume its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects once it is formally constituted when Congress reconvenes on July 27. He is also pushing for a long-term infrastructure planning framework to prevent similar issues in the future.

In a radio interview on Sunday, Tulfo, head of the committee, explained, “In the morning of [July] 27, which is the SONA, we will formalize the Blue Ribbon Committee.

"We cannot conduct a hearing yet because the membership has not yet been finalized. There will still be submissions of names to complete the membership and have it declared on the Senate floor—so it becomes official," he said.

Tulfo said the panel intends to continue its flood control investigation but stressed that it should uncover new personalities if additional wrongdoing is established.

He also said he plans to invite all stakeholders to the inquiry and introduce procedural changes, including stricter rules on affidavits and a ban on surprise witnesses, once the committee is officially organized.

Beyond pursuing accountability, Tulfo said the country needs a comprehensive infrastructure masterplan to prevent future anomalies and ensure continuity in public works projects regardless of changes in administration.

“The flood control scam, being out in the open, can be considered a blessing in disguise. We discovered that the reason behind the non-stop flooding problem, our roads. It’s because the funds are being pocketed.

“For too long, infrastructure planning has largely been tied to the priorities of each administration. If we, have a masterplan, it doesn't matter where the next President would be coming from,” he said.

Tulfo called on fellow lawmakers to support Senate Bill No. 1360, or the proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act, which seeks to establish a whole-of-government infrastructure strategy, align projects with national and regional development plans, and improve efficiency and accountability in the use of public funds.

“This measure will also help ensure that public resources are used more efficiently. If we have good planning, we will remove duplications, ramp up implementation, and bolster accountability. Every peso invested in infrastructure should create the greatest possible benefit for the Filipinos.”