Senate Blue Ribbon resumes flood control probe todayMANILA, Philippines — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee is set to resume hearings today into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, with lawmakers expected to press deeper into claims that flawed data submissions and possible cover-ups distorted government assessments of so-called “ghost” projects. While former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan has already arrived in Manila yesterday, Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon chairman Panfilo Lacson has yet to confirm whether the embattled former official would attend the hearing. In an interview with radio dzBB, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said Bonoan also has“a lot to explain” amid allegations of massive kickbacks tied to flood control projects, as bared by former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. He recalled how Bernardo’s testimony before the Blue Ribbon committee last year pointed to alleged dealings involving Bonoan and the late former undersecretary Cathy Cabral amounting to about P15 billion, or roughly P5 billion a year in supposed commissions. In the meantime, he said, continued Blue Ribbon hearings remain important, especially as other investigative bodies undergo transitions.

Source: Philippine Star January 18, 2026 16:38 UTC