Manila, Philippines — January 18, 2026
The Senate is set to resume its investigation in aid of legislation into the controversial flood control scandal on Monday, January 19, despite Congress being on break. The hearing will proceed under the motu proprio authority of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is spearheading the inquiry into alleged large-scale corruption within government flood control projects. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that he has requested the appearance of several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and secured key documents through subpoena duces tecum. These records are expected to support a deeper and more comprehensive examination of the irregularities.
The committee’s goal is to consolidate all files connected to the scandal, including the highly discussed Cabral files, which are believed to contain sensitive information on the alleged misuse of funds.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, also revealed that his panel already possesses its own copies of the relevant documents—acquired before the formal decision to reopen the investigation. He stressed that these files would help clarify inconsistencies and determine accountability among the involved officials.
Senate President Sotto earlier signed 12 subpoenas directed at key individuals linked to the scandal, including:
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Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan
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Former Representative Zaldy Co
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Former DepEd Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar
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Former COA Commissioner Mario Lipana
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Former DPWH Director Gerald Opulencia
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Former DPWH Director Gerald Pacanan
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Maynard Ngu
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Orly Guteza
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John Paul Estrada
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Mark Teksay
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Arjay Domasig
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Carleen Yap-Villa
Among the subpoenaed personalities, only Co and Bonoan have been confirmed to be outside the country. The attendance of the remaining ten individuals remains uncertain.
As the Senate prepares to reopen the probe, lawmakers aim to uncover the extent of the alleged corruption, strengthen legislative safeguards, and uphold accountability in government infrastructure spending. Further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses.