Senate to probe spurious right-of-way claims in GenSan

The Senate is opening an inquiry into the alleged P8.7-billion “scam” using spurious right-of-way (ROW) claims in General Santos City supposedly involving two trusted aides of former President Benigno Aquino III.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday manifested on the Senate floor that he wanted the public works committee, which he chairs, to be part of the investigation.

The matter was initially referred to the blue ribbon committee.

The inquiry stemmed from Senate Resolution No. 561 that Pacquiao filed, directing the public works committee to conduct an investigation on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ allegedly flawed system on ROW acquisitions, which might have resulted in misuse of public funds.

In an interview, Pacquiao said he would invite to the hearing former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson.

Eldon Cruz, Aquino’s brother-in-law by sister Ballsy, will also be summoned.

Last month, alleged whistleblower Roberto Catapang Jr. claimed that Cruz had endorsed the release of payments for the supposed road ROW claims in General Santos City, Pacquiao’s hometown.

Catapang also alleged that Singson and Abad were aware of the scam since it was uncovered as early as 2011. —Jocelyn R. Uy