Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed confidence that at least 11 majority senators will sign the initial report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, though many intend to do so with reservations.
Tulfo said members have already informed Committee Chair Panfilo “Ping” Lacson of their concerns and plan to introduce changes once the report reaches plenary.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is also aware of the planned revisions.
“May amendments kami. Pipirma kami with reservations and amendments (sa committee report),” Tulfo said in a radio interview.
He added: “Parang we’re saying, ‘We’re not happy with this report na unang pinalabas ninyo, the draft. We want to make changes, we want our individual amendments.’ Kaya dadalhin siya sa floor.”
A draft circulating online recommends plunder and other criminal charges against minority Senators Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva, as well as former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and former Caloocan lawmaker Mitch Cajayon-Uy, all accused of receiving kickbacks.
Tulfo said his amendments would strengthen the report’s language and address questions on why certain personalities were excluded.
“Initially, parang malamya ‘yong mga wordings doon (sa committee report), tapos may mga hindi nakasama… We can ask bakit nga hindi kasama,” he noted.
Pressed if he was referring to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tulfo declined to name names, saying the issue should be debated openly in plenary.
“Kailangan natin ilatag dyan para lahat kami mapag-usapan namin… Then we can ask, ‘Bakit hindi ito kasama? Anong reason?’”
Romualdez, cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has previously been mentioned by critics in connection with the controversy, citing alleged negligence during his House leadership.