MANILA – The Senate’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects faces a major hurdle as several personalities linked to the controversy have reportedly left the Philippines, Senate blue ribbon committee chairperson Sen. Rodante Marcoleta disclosed yesterday.
“Doon kasi sa mga pagtakas, hindi ko naman sinasabing tumakas na pero ‘yung mga nagsasabi sa akin, patawarin ko na sila, ay nasa Amerika na talaga ‘yung iba,” Marcoleta disclosed in an interview on GMA 7’s Unang Balita.
The revelation underscores the challenge of holding key players accountable, with the senator stressing the chamber’s lack of authority to stop departures.
“Ang Blue Ribbon naman kasi wala naman kaming power mag-issue ng hold departure order, korte lang,” he said. “So kinakailangan naming sundin ang mga proseso. Lookout order lang ang puwede naming i-request. So gagampanan namin ‘yung task na ‘yan under the circumstances.”
Despite these limitations, Marcoleta vowed that the Senate will not allow its investigation to be mocked. He warned that those who ignore subpoenas would face arrest warrants, signaling a harder line against attempts to undermine the inquiry.
The development came on the heels of Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon’s move urging the Department of Justice to issue an immigration lookout order against 20 DPWH officials and contractors suspected of involvement in fraudulent flood control projects.
Marcoleta also hinted at an explosive revelation ahead: a would-be whistleblower has come forward, ready to name lawmakers and DPWH insiders allegedly tied to the irregularities. But fear for personal safety has kept the informant from formally testifying.
“Meron nang lumalapit na gustong gawin. Medyo nag-aalangan nga lang sapagkat merong threat sa buhay nila,” Marcoleta said. “Actually may nag-note na ganun. Sabi niya gusto ko sanang itama lahat ng ito. Nangangamba lang ako sa buhay naming mag-anak.”
The senator dangled a possible escape route for contractors—cooperate by identifying government officials involved and they may be spared criminal charges, provided they indemnify the state for defective or overpriced projects.
“Kung papayag kayo na i-dispense natin ang criminal prosecution, civil liability kayo. You indemnify the government. Bayaran ninyo ‘yung pagkakamali ninyo. Kung halimbawa defective, ayusin ninyo,” he explained. “Pero magturo kayo. So ‘yung ituturo ninyo will be subjected to criminal prosecution. Ganun ang gawin natin.”
Marcoleta further clarified that former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan — who resigned earlier this week and skipped Monday’s hearing — remains within the Senate’s crosshairs and could still be called to account./PN
