Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian issued a stern directive on Monday, declaring that the chamber will not recognize any investigative hearings that do not originate from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, currently chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo.
Gatchalian emphasized that anti-corruption inquiries must adhere to official legislative channels to maintain their legitimacy.
“The Senate recognizes only one Blue Ribbon Committee, the one headed by Senator Erwin Tulfo. Any hearing or investigation conducted outside of this committee has no legal standing, carries no institutional authority, and will not be recognized by the Senate,” Gatchalian stated in an official release.
The Acting Senate President stressed that pursuing accountability for corruption is a matter of profound importance that should not be compromised by unofficial or unauthorized proceedings.
He encouraged individuals holding evidence of misconduct to present their testimonies exclusively before the formal committee to ensure the process remains lawful and effective.
“Ang Senado ay nakatuon sa tunay na pag-imbestiga at pag-uusig ng korapsyon sa tamang paraan at sa tamang forum,” he added.
This declaration follows an earlier clarification from the Blue Ribbon Committee, which formally disavowed a June 16 hearing announced by former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor.
The committee confirmed that the online announcement lacked authorization and was not part of the official Senate schedule.