The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has invited former House Speaker and Leyte First District Representative Martin Romualdez to continue its investigation into irregularities in flood control projects.
Witnesses and Allegations
Also invited to the hearing are 18 former members of the Philippine Marines who allegedly corroborated the testimony of retired Sergeant Orly Guteza. Guteza previously testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding irregularities in the implementation of flood control projects.
According to Guteza, from December 5, 2024, to August 2025, while serving as one of the security personnel for former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, they delivered suitcases containing millions of pesos in cash—which they called basura (garbage)—to Romualdez's residences in Pasig and Taguig at least three times.
Other Invited Officials
The committee also invited officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said in a statement: "We look forward to the cooperation of all invited resource persons and agencies as the Committee carries out its mandate in aid of legislation and public accountability."
Background of the Investigation
On April 15, former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Senator Panfilo Lacson suspended the panel's hearings, reasoning that the investigation had gathered sufficient evidence and that the panel needed to produce a formal committee report before proceeding.
He stated that Senate investigations conducted in aid of legislation should result in findings and recommendations rather than continue indefinitely.
The committee's partial report reportedly includes findings from several months of hearings with former DPWH officials, contractors, whistleblowers, and lawmakers involved in alleged irregularities in flood control projects worth billions of pesos.
The investigation examines accusations involving budget insertions, kickbacks, project allocations, and alleged theft or abuse of government funds.
