The Senate Committee on Accountability, Public Officers and Investigations — more commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee — is set to launch an investigation into an alleged ₱1.6-billion “ghost” flood control project in the island of Samar.
This was revealed by Senator Erwin Tulfo, the committee’s acting chairman, in a radio interview on Saturday.
“May natalisod tayo na dito raw sa may Samar area mayroon ₱1.6 billion na ‘ghost’ flood control so kailangan siguro paimbestigahan,” Tulfo said. The senator is currently in Europe to attend a series of conferences.
When asked who might be involved in the alleged “ghost” project, Tulfo said the key figure is a politician who is currently in hiding following the discovery of several irregularities tied to the project.
“Isang kompanya rin na kasama sa top 15 at same politiko rin ang naglagay ng pondo diyan sa Samar region, ipinark,” he explained. “Kamag-anak ng contractor ‘yung politiko. ‘Yung politiko hinahanap na ngayon,” he added.
Tulfo said he plans to hold a hearing on October 27 or 28, but if attendance among senators is low, the session might be moved to November 10 when the Senate resumes session.
The Blue Ribbon Committee also plans to examine multiple irregularities linked to the Department of Agriculture’s farm-to-market road projects.
Tulfo stressed that those involved in the alleged “ghost” flood control and other questionable infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should be held accountable.
“Dapat may makulong para may sampol. Noong 2013 (sa ‘pork’ barrel scandal) walang nasampolan lahat nakalabas na yata natira na lang si Janet Napoles, they have a day in court. Kami sa Blue Ribbon kung ano makuha naming ebidensiya ipapasa naming sa DOJ at ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure),” Tulfo emphasized.