MANILA, Philippines – Despite Majority Leader Sandro Marcos’ pronouncement that the House does not have the credibility to probe anomalous flood control projects, the lower chamber is pushing through with it anyway.
A “mega panel” — composed of the committees on public accounts, public works and highways, and good government and accountability — jumpstarts its congressional investigation on Tuesday, September 2.
The basis for the probe are the following House resolutions:
- HR 33 – Conducting a review of all flood control projects along Laguna Lake to determine whether there is a need to propose a comprehensive master plan to prevent flooding and improve water quality, and to study the possibility of dredging the lake to increase its holding capacity (Representative Walfredo ‘Arman‘ Dimaguila Jr.)
- HR 79 – Inquiry into the exigency of an environment-friendly dredging project of the Laguna Lake to increase its water-holding capacity, which will materially address the perennial and adverse effects of flooding in the Province of Laguna and low-lying areas of Metro Manila (Representative Roy Gonzales)
- HR 88 – Investigation into the persistent, widespread, and escalating mismanagement and failure of the government’s flood control initiatives, with the end in view of safeguarding public funds and lives (Representative Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando)
- HR 107 – Inquiry into the review of all existing flood control projects along Laguna de Bay, and the feasibility of implementing nature-based and sustainable solutions, with the end view of mitigating flooding and formulating a comprehensive lake management and flood mitigation master plan (Representative Charisse Anne Hernandez)
- HR 109 – Investigation into the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela with the end view of determining accountability and formulating legislative measures to prevent similar tragic incidents (Representative Antonio “Tonypet” Albano)
Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal previously objected to the creation of the tri-committee, saying: “It would not be prudent on the part of this House as it might entail possible conflict of interest.”
Senator Ping Lacson said several dozen congressmen are contractors for public works projects.
Bookmark this page for the livestream of the hearing at 9 am on Tuesday. — Rappler.com