Lawyer Levito Baligod questioned Senator Erwin Tulfo‘s role in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s ongoing investigation, arguing that lawmakers identified in affidavits submitted by former soldiers should not oversee the proceedings.
Speaking at a press conference outside the Senate, Baligod said the group of 18 former soldiers he represents is concerned about the structure of the inquiry now being conducted under Tulfo’s leadership.
According to Baligod, the former soldiers fear they could face sanctions from the same official they have accused in sworn statements. He argued that the arrangement places Tulfo in the position of investigator, presiding officer, and eventual evaluator of witness testimony.
“We are worried, but we are not scared that Mr. Erwin Tulfo, who claims to be the new chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, is presiding over this investigation,” Baligod said.
Baligod maintained that allowing an individual identified in witness affidavits to lead the inquiry raises questions about impartiality and fairness.
“Inaakusahan po siya ngunit siya rin ang mag-iimbestiga at siya rin ang magdedesisyon,” he said.
The lawyer also cited the committee’s authority to cite witnesses in contempt, saying members of the group are concerned about the possibility of detention should disputes arise during the hearings. He pointed to Section 18 of Senate Resolution No. 5, which outlines the committee’s contempt powers.
“Kung ang isang witness ay ma-cite in contempt, maaari siyang ma-detain sa lugar na itatalaga ng committee. Ito po ang aming pangamba,” Baligod said.
Baligod called on Senate leaders to strictly follow the chamber’s own rules governing legislative inquiries. He said respect for Senate procedures should apply equally to lawmakers and witnesses appearing before the committee.
“Huwag po ninyong asahan na susunod kami sa inyong mga alituntunin kung kayo mismo ay hindi susunod sa mga ito,” he said.
He also urged senators to exercise what he described as statesmanship and delicadeza, particularly for public officials whose names have surfaced in affidavits executed by the former soldiers.
