The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will resume its investigation into alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects on January 19, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Sunday, January 11.
Lacson, chairperson of the committee, said they will subpoena former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, businessman Meynard Ngu, and former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, who failed to appear in previous hearings.
“Olaivar and company were invited but did not show up. We already subpoenaed them. If they still won’t show up, we can issue warrants for their arrest,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
The committee also plans to clarify with the Department of Budget and Management and the Office of the Executive Secretary how a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) allowed the release of ₱50 billion from the unprogrammed appropriations on December 27, 2024.
Additionally, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste may be invited, through the House leadership, to provide documents he received from former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, known as the “Cabral files,” which allegedly list projects and funds allocated to different legislative districts between 2023 and 2026.
According to Lacson, there are similarities between Leviste’s documents and those held by the Senate, but he has yet to see the “SAP” and “OP” referenced by Leviste.
On whether the files could serve as a basis to file cases against Cabinet members, Lacson said, “the documents must be authenticated by the DPWH first.”