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The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is planning to conduct a motu propio investigation into the reported corruption in flood control projects and unfair water joint venture agreements (JVA), Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said.
Estrada, in a press conference in Parañaque City, disclosed that neophyte Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who was given chairmanship of the blue ribbon panel, already has plans to launch an immediate investigation into the two most important issues that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. highlighted during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“I believe so and I’ve heard Sen. Marcoleta has plans to investigate motu propio. He doesn’t need a resolution,” Estrada said.
Several senators have already called for a Senate probe into all failed flood control projects following the massive flooding that occurred when the country was hit but a series of typhoons.
Some senators have also filed measures seeking to investigate the reported disadvantageous provisions in the JVAs entered into by public water utilities with private firms, which includes PrimeWater, Manila Water, and Metro Pacific Water.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she has already filed a resolution noting that many of these agreements favor the concessionaire and not the Filipino people.
Estrada said he is confident that even as a neophyte senator, Marcoleta would be able to conduct an independent probe into the two issues.
“Why not? There’s always a first time. Sen. Marcoleta is highly qualified to head that committee. He being a lawyer, tangggalin mo na na opposition siya, sa aking palagay he is highly qualified (just remove his being part of the opposition, but I believe he is highly qualified for the job),” he stressed.
“He is fair. With all due respect si Sen. Marcoleta is fair,” he further said.
Moreover, Estrada said he believes Marcoleta will perform well in investigating the issue on flood control projects, noting that he came from the House of Representatives.
“Mas lalong maganda, marami siyang alam (It’s even better, because he knows a lot of what is happening),” he said.
