Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has stood by the decision to form a Blue Ribbon Committee subcommittee to resume the inquiry into government flood control projects, asserting that the move is fully permitted under Senate rules and hinting that procedural blockades may be a tactic to halt the investigation.
The controversy sparked after Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III challenged the legality of organizing a subcommittee without a plenary session approval, arguing that no such body could be formally created until Congress resumes session.
In response, Cayetano clarified that existing Senate guidelines empower committee chairpersons to set up subcommittees independently, eliminating the need for a full chamber vote.
“Hindi po bawal, ha? Nasa rules po yan… All the majority has to do is for the chairperson, Sen. Pia Cayetano, to come out herself with the notice on Monday. So, ang point ko, sa lahat ng pwedeng reaction, bakit parang ayaw talaga na ituloy ito?” Cayetano said.
He cited specific provisions in the Senate Rules that authorize committee heads to designate vice chairpersons and establish subcommittees to effectively carry out their legislative duties.
Furthermore, the Senate chief emphasized that the majority bloc is dedicated to reinforcing accountability and executing structural reforms within the institution.
He noted that fighting corruption and resolving governance lapses require concrete action rather than mere words.
“Until we have true repentance and true reforms, corruption will continue at the highest levels,” the senator, who identifies as a Christian, also said.
The push to reopen the flood control investigation arrives at a time of intensifying public demand for transparency regarding state infrastructure expenses and the execution of flood mitigation initiatives nationwide.