Senator Erwin Tulfo has stepped aside from the Senate’s flood control investigation, handing responsibility for one of the country’s highest-profile inquiries to Senator Kiko Pangilinan. The move comes as the controversy surrounding billions of pesos in flood control spending continues to generate intense public scrutiny and growing demands for accountability.
Tulfo announced that he would inhibit himself from handling the investigation and said Pangilinan would take charge of the Blue Ribbon subcommittee tasked with pursuing the probe.
“Kaya mag-i-inhibit po ako at hindi po ako hahawak ng flood control. Si Sen. Kiko po ang hahawak po ng flood control,” Tulfo said.
The leadership change marks a significant development in the Senate’s examination of flood control spending, an issue that has remained at the center of public debate because of allegations involving the use of massive amounts of government funds. Tulfo has been among the senators pushing for a deeper review of the projects and had previously expressed support for a full investigation into the controversy.
Tulfo said the decision was intended to address calls for his inhibition while ensuring that the investigation continues without interruption.
“Sabi ko pag nagkaroon ng special session, bubuuin na talaga ‘yung totoong Blue Ribbon. Bubuuin ‘yun at pagkatapos doon, mag-designate tayo ng subcommittee na hahawak ng lahat ng imbestigasyon sa flood control,” he said.
His inhibition also comes amid heightened attention surrounding the flood control issue. In recent weeks, witnesses appearing in separate proceedings have made allegations involving several public officials and political personalities. The allegations remain unproven, and officials who have been named have denied wrongdoing.
Tulfo also rejected suggestions that the Senate majority was backing away from the investigation.
“Hindi po, open po kami,” he said, adding that records from previous proceedings should already be transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
He likewise dismissed attempts to characterize gatherings held outside the Senate as official Blue Ribbon hearings.
“Hindi po pwedeng Blue Ribbon hearing kasi nga hindi siya official,” Tulfo said.
With Tulfo stepping aside, Pangilinan now inherits one of the Senate’s highest-stakes investigations. As public pressure for answers continues to mount, the spotlight shifts to whether the Blue Ribbon probe can uncover the truth behind the flood control controversy and identify those who should be held accountable if wrongdoing is established.
