Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III clarified that the Senate did not stop the Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
In an interview with the media on Wednesday, October 8, Sotto explained that the Senate only decided to focus temporarily on the ongoing budget hearings, which are approaching their deadline.
“As far as we’re concern, hindi naman kami tumigil eh. Kaya lang mayroon ngang ika nga’y budget hearing we are nearing the deadline so hindi ganon kadali ‘yon,” Sotto said.
He added that the Senate continues to coordinate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) regarding the same issue.
“Hindi naman mawawala yung mga hearing na ‘yon. Hindi rin mawawala yung submissions sa ICI. As a matter of fact I’m holding a letter with the ICI dahil may mga hinihiling sa amin. And I will personally go there and clarify kung ano yung mga hinihingi nila,” the Senate President stated.
It can be recalled that the Blue Ribbon Committee recently suspended its hearings on the alleged anomalous flood control projects.
Through a text message sent to the media last Saturday, October 4, Sotto shared that Senator Win Gatchalian had talked to him regarding the temporary suspension of the inquiry.
Sotto also confirmed that discussions on legislative proposals related to the matter are continuing through executive sessions.
“Once we agree on the proposals, we will put it on the floor,” he said.
The development followed the resignation of former Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
“Dahil sa mga naririnig ko na pahiwatig ng aking mga kasamahan eh isa sa mga konsiderasyon ko, mag-move o mag-submit na lang ng aking resignation bilang chairperson at humanap sila ng ibang puwede mag-chairman ng Blue Ribbon committee,” Lacson said in an interview.