Senator Erwin Tulfo rejects claims of flood control investigation being blocked

Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee under the Gatchalian bloc, has reaffirmed that the panel will continue its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, dismissing suggestions that he is avoiding or blocking the probe.

In an interview, Tulfo said the committee’s hearings remain ongoing and clarified that inquiries involving the so-called “18 kargador” or bodyguards linked to businessman Zaldy Co are still part of the panel’s agenda.

“Meron pong Blue Ribbon hearing… hindi po tayo umiiwas dyan. Pumunta nga po tayo eh,” Tulfo said, stressing that the committee has been actively conducting hearings and summoning resource persons.

He also responded to criticism from Atty. Levi Baligod, who had questioned the handling of the investigation and reportedly called for Tulfo’s inhibition from the case. Tulfo said he is open to stepping aside if required and floated the possibility of forming a subcommittee to continue the inquiry.

Under his proposal, Senator Kiko Pangilinan would lead the subcommittee tasked with handling flood control-related issues. However, Tulfo emphasized that such an arrangement would still need formal approval from the Senate plenary, including the designation of its leadership and membership.

“Hindi naman po pwede na, oh ikaw chairman ka na, magpahearing ka na. Kailangan dumaan sa approval ng mga miyembro,” he said, noting that proper legislative procedures must be observed.

Tulfo also raised concerns about parallel legal proceedings, pointing out that several senators have already been named in complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman. He cited earlier remarks by Senator Panfilo Lacson, who reportedly submitted evidence related to the alleged anomalies.

“Meron na pong pangalan sa Ombudsman… naibigay na po ni Sen. Lacson lahat ng ebidensya doon,” Tulfo said.

He added that while cases already filed with the Ombudsman may not require duplication of investigation, the Blue Ribbon Committee could still look into separate or newly discovered irregularities, including alleged ghost projects in infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

Tulfo said coordination with Senator Pangilinan would be important in ensuring that any subcommittee created would focus only on unresolved or new issues, avoiding overlap with existing complaints.

“If may bagong anomalya… edi pa imbestigahan natin. Bagong kaso ito,” he said.

The Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to finalize its structure and scope of work once Senate leadership and committee assignments are formally settled on the floor.

-Paraluman News