Findings from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the alleged flood control scandal are expected to be made public despite delays in advancing a formal report.
The committee has yet to secure enough signatures to bring its partial report to the plenary, prompting plans to present key findings through a privilege speech next week. The move aims to update the public after several hearings and address concerns over transparency.
The inquiry focuses on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, an issue that has drawn attention due to its impact on communities affected by severe weather events.
Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Panfilo Lacson said the public deserves to be informed of the panel’s progress.
“As Blue Ribbon Chairman, I owe it to the Filipino people to update them on what happened after seven to eight hearings,” he said, noting that misinformation has circulated about the probe.
A partial report outlining initial findings was prepared in February but has not been endorsed due to lack of support from some members. Several senators have cited disagreements with portions of the report.
Lacson maintained that differing views should not prevent the report from reaching the plenary.
“It is our duty as members of committees to sign a committee report and indicate whether we will interpellate, amend, or submit a separate opinion,” he said. “We should not refuse to sign just to block the report.”
The planned privilege speech, expected on May 4 or 5, will present a Chairman’s Progress Report that may include updated findings and additional evidence not previously discussed.
The report may also be shared with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman to support possible case buildup.
Further hearings are expected as the inquiry continues, with additional resource persons and officials likely to be invited.
The schedule for resuming hearings may depend on the Senate’s workload, including the possible impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, ahead of the session’s adjournment on June 6.
Lacson warned that the issue is unlikely to fade from public attention.
“Our people are angry and will not forget the issue,” he said, stressing the need for accountability in the handling of public infrastructure funds.