Senate blue ribbon urged to probe status of PH irrigation initiatives

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate’s powerful blue ribbon panel was once again urged to probe the status of irrigation initiatives in the country after some senators raised concerns about million-worth funding for the repair of the decrepit irrigation project in San Miguel, Bulacan.

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Speaking at the Senate’s marathon plenary debates on the 2025 funding of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Sen. Raffy Tulfo lost his cool while he was questioning NIA officials why the agency needed P50 million for the repair of the decrepit Bulo Small River Irrigation Project in Barangay Kalawakan, Doña Remedios Trinidad in San Miguel, Bulacan.

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In his interpellations, Tulfo bared that his staff personally went to visit the irrigation project, adding that they saw the dilapidated state of it despite millions-worth funding.

This did not sit well with Tulfo who then demanded explanation and accountability from NIA executives.

Sen. Imee Marcos, who was speaking on behalf of NIA as the agency’s budget sponsor, said it would be better to form a group comprising senators, NIA officials, and some of Tulfo’s staff to personally visit the area to assess the situation on ground.

Marcos’ suggestion was met with questions from Tulfo who then proceeded to lambast NIA’s alleged lack of trust to his staff who did their own investigation.

“So NIA does not trust the findings of my staff? Why is there a need for the entire Senate to inspect? Don’t you trust my people? I would rather trust my people than trust all of you there in NIA. I’m telling you—it is what it is, in fact, my staff were able to interview the locals, isn’t that enough??” said Tulfo.

“There are many useless demands—that the Senate needs to investigate, to go there with the NIA people, etc. And yet, the findings are all here. Right here right now, can’t you just answer? Just admit that you are all useless, that’s it. I’ll move on to another topic… just accept that you’re all useless and then I’ll move on,” he added.

According to Tulfo, a case should be filed against erring NIA officials. He also seeks the removal of these executives from their posts if proven that they have committed neglect.

“For the longest time the people have been deceived. And then the worst part is because we are talking about irrigation here, who will be affected? Farmers. Who feeds the Filipinos? Farmers. Farmers are being shortchanged, I feel sorry for them. Farmers are the victims here,” said Tulfo.

Marcos, for her part, agreed with what Tulfo was saying. She later on brought up the need for the Senate’s blue ribbon panel to once again look into the project and conduct its own probe.

But it was Sen. Cynthia Villar who made the motion that the blue ribbon panel begin its own investigation on the matter. It was immediately seconded by Tulfo.