Blue Ribbon Committee Resumes Flood Control Hearing on Jan. 19

The Senate’s Blue Ribbon Committee is set to resume its investigation into flood control projects on January 19, signaling that the inquiry remains firmly on track despite talk of retractions and shifting narratives.

Committee chair Ping Lacson made it clear that the upcoming hearing will not simply revisit testimonies, but will focus on consequences, documentation, and accountability. According to Lacson, even discussions around possible retractions do not erase liability—especially when sworn statements and public funds are involved.

At the heart of the probe are allegations tied to flood control projects, an area long plagued by public concern over inflated costs, paper trails that don’t add up, and questions about implementation on the ground. The committee is expected to clarify whether affidavits have been officially retracted, and if so, what legal consequences may follow—including potential perjury.

The Department of Justice has indicated that no formal recantation has been filed in at least one high-profile case, reinforcing the Senate’s position that the investigation must proceed based on verified records, not public backtracking. Lacson also stressed that the inquiry will widen if evidence points to additional accountable individuals, guided by both money trails and official documents.

Beyond personalities, the January 19 hearing underscores a larger institutional message: Senate investigations are not derailed by hesitation or silence. They move forward on the strength of evidence, sworn testimony, and the public’s right to know how funds meant for protection against floods were actually used.

Quiet takeaway: When the Senate resumes, it’s not to replay old statements—but to follow the records wherever they lead.