Flood control probe commences under Cayetano bloc

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the flood control scandal began on Thursday as set by the Cayetano bloc.

Sen. Pia Cayetano presides over the hearing, but on Wednesday, Sen. Erwin Tulfo was elected as the panel’s head.

READ: Tulfo-led Senate blue ribbon suspends June 4 hearing

Five of the Cayetano bloc are in attendance, namely Sen. Alan Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, and Rodante Marcoleta.

Later, Pia Cayetano, who claimed chairmanship of the panel, assigned Marcoleta to preside over the hearing.

Present in the hearing as resource persons are the 18 alleged former Marines who identified themselves as “bagmen” of former House Speaker Romualdez. They are joined by their legal counsel, Levi Baligod.

Also in attendance is the legal counsel of former Rep. Zaldy Co, Atty. Ruy Rondain. Co accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Romualdez of masterminding the insertion of P100 billion in the 2025 national budget.

Co himself is wanted for graft and malversation in relation to anomalous flood control projects. /das /atm