The House Committee on Infrastructure has suspended its investigation into the alleged multibillion-peso flood control corruption, with lawmakers turning over documents to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and law enforcement agencies for further action.
Bicol-Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon, co-chair of the committee, said the move ensures that independent bodies take the lead in building cases against those implicated.
“Well, very important po talaga ‘yong pag-suspinde,” Ridon said in an interview with DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan.
“Marami sa mga napangalanan sa House Infrastructure Committee talaga nagsimula. Very proud tayo sa work na ginawa ng infra-comm at talagang we look forward sa lahat ng kaso at pagpapanagot na pwedeng magawa ng ICI at ng lahat ng law enforcement agencies natin katulad ng DOJ, NBI at ‘yong AMLC,” the congressman added.
He also confirmed that Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III had already delivered transcripts and other documents to the ICI.
While the House has paused its inquiry, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues to hold hearings. Ridon acknowledged the chamber’s oversight function but warned of the risk of fueling speculation.
“Sa isang bahagi may karapatan naman po talaga ‘yong senado at kongreso dahil meron naman talaga siyang oversight functions. So, ang kailangan pong mabantayan dito [ay] kung ano ba ‘yong panukalang batas na ihahain po nitong mga imbestigasyon na ito,” he noted.
He cited testimony from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who alleged that kickbacks reached officials in the executive branch.
“Very interesting ‘yong pinaka-huling Senate Blue Ribbon Committee kasi ang naipakita na lang dito hindi na lang mga kongresista at senador eh ‘yon pong pwedeng proponent. Nakita natin for example sa testimonya ni [dating] DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo na kahit within the executive ay pwede pa lang magkaroon din ng mga proponent at pwedeng magkaroon ng mga kickbackan,” Ridon said.
“Kasi nabanggit niya si DepEd Secretary Trygve Olaivar, supposedly para daw po sa Office of the Executive Secretary na pinabulaanan na ni Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin pero very interesting ito dahil una pinaguusapan niya ‘yong unprogrammed appropriations at pangalawa talagang within the executive lang ‘yong sangkot at pinagbigyan supposedly ng pera ni Usec. Bernardo,” he added.
Ridon further stressed that details from the affidavit should not be overlooked, especially the mentioned names alleged involved in the kickback payments from the corrupted flood control fund.
“Ang pinagtatagka ko nga eh very detailed ‘yong affidavit ni Usec. Bernardo pero na-leave out si Usec. Olaivar dito sa charge sheet ng NBI. Hopefully in the next couple of days ang sabi naman niya nagbubuo lang ng particular na detalye at wala naman daw malalagpasan na mga pangalan na nabanggit,” he said.
On whether lawmakers could be compelled to attend Senate hearings despite parliamentary courtesy, Ridon clarified the House’s protocol.
“‘Yong sa within congress na protocol natin pagka napangalanan ‘yong kongresista eh pwede lang siya magbigay ng pahayag pero hindi siya pwedeng magtanong doon sa nag-akusa sa kanya,” he explained.
He said inter-parliamentary courtesy remains in place. “Kumbaga senate members, house members sila hindi natin sila pepwersahin pero malaya silang magpakita, magsalita doon sa proceedings natin.”
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) earlier announced that its investigation into the controversial flood control scam will not be livestreamed. Newly appointed ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka explained that the probe is a “process” which cannot be shaped by piecemeal revelations.
