Senator Erwin Tulfo urged investigators to ensure that cases stemming from alleged flood control anomalies are solid and well-supported, warning that weak complaints could collapse and undermine the Senate’s investigation.
Tulfo said he raised the concern during consultations with the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council, after being informed that arrest warrants would not be issued without strong evidence.
“Hindi naman ho kami maglalabas ng mga warrants of arrest kung wala ho kaming matibay… Sabi ko, because this is like a deja vu of kay Janet Napoles na na-dismiss lang din kasi mahina,” Tulfo said, referring to the ₱10-billion pork barrel scam.
He cautioned that poorly built cases could render the efforts of prosecutors and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee pointless.
“We have to make sure… it’s really airtight,” he stressed.
Tulfo noted delays in the issuance of warrants, saying authorities appear to be strengthening case build-up.
He added that some senators are concerned the issue could turn into trial by publicity if evidence turns out to be insufficient.
The senator explained that the consultations were meant to align committee members as they work toward finalizing the Blue Ribbon Committee report after the hearings.
Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson disclosed that a draft committee report recommended criminal charges against Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, and Chiz Escudero over the alleged anomalies.
Tulfo, however, declined to confirm specific recommendations, emphasizing that his priority remains the strength of the evidence.
“My question was, do we have an airtight case, kasi sayang, kung hindi naman, what are we talking about here?”