Senate minority members Rodante Marcoleta and Imee Marcos on Tuesday criticized the Blue Ribbon Committee’s handling of the flood control scandal investigation, saying the panel failed to pursue crucial leads, including those pointing to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Marcos questioned how witnesses linking contractor Curlee Discaya to Romualdez were treated, arguing they were not allowed to fully share their information.
“Ang Zaldy Co kinasuhan pero si [former] Speaker Martin Romualdez wala pa rin,” she said.
“Kung baga, critical leads in the investigation that need to be pursued. Tulad ng sinabi ni Senator Marcoleta, parating bitin… Yan, nababanggit. Tapos hanggang doon lang, papara. Hindi ba dapat pursigihin yun?”
Marcoleta, meanwhile, urged the committee to compel documents related to a house on 30 Tamarind Street, which former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co mentioned and allegedly linked to Romualdez.
He also called for closer scrutiny of claims against former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar and former Presidential Legislative Liaison Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.
“So, it is a little bit disappointing on my part kasi I was expecting more,” Marcoleta said.
The two lawmakers released a “Minority Report” based on the first six hearings, asserting Romualdez cannot be absolved and that 17 House members named by Discaya must be investigated. The report cleared former Senate President Chiz Escudero, citing “no sufficient ground,” and described allegations against Senator Jinggoy Estrada as “unsubstantiated and unclear.”
Escudero, Senate Minority Leader Alan Cayetano, and Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva did not sign the report, though Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa—absent from sessions amid reports of an international arrest warrant—did.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III dismissed the minority’s report, saying it had no procedural value.
“Eh kulang na kulang na oras eh, kaya nga sa susunod, di umattend sila sa susunod para yung mga kulang mapunuan nila,” Sotto said, defending the hearings.
The dispute underscores tensions within the chamber as the flood control scandal probe continues.