Erwin Tulfo: Minority senators are blocking flood control probe

[Updated July 29, 2026, 4:53 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday accused the chamber’s minority bloc of blocking the panel’s investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

Tulfo remarked that he is considering holding a blue ribbon hearing the following week.

“The obstacle, to tell you the truth, honestly, is the other side. It’s not us in the majority. I won’t name names but the truth of the matter is, real talk only: They are now asking us not to continue the blue ribbon,” the senator, speaking Filipino, told the media.

He then criticized the move to delay the flood control probe after Tulfo himself received accusations of using the investigation to hide.

READ: Lacson turns over ‘evidence’ from Taguig infra probe to Ombudsman

“You are the ones who are inciting Senator Win’s leadership, including me. You will say, we are hiding it, they have plans, don’t continue for now, don’t continue the blue ribbon hearing,” Tulfo said in Filipino.

Asked who from the minority bloc is asking not to hold a blue ribbon hearing, Tulfo answered: “Obvious.” 

He continued: “Who is being investigated? Who is Senator [Panfilo] Lacson targeting?”

Earlier, Lacson began gathering information on suspected flood-control projects in Taguig City, the bailiwick of Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

A day later, asked whether there was an effort from the minority to block the probe, Cayetano simply asked: “Do you believe them?”

Prior to Tulfo’s interview, Lacson turned over his findings to the Ombudsman.

Cayetano has previously denied funding ghost projects in Taguig. /jpv /mr