Quezon city: A member of the soon-to-be-formed House of Representatives tri-committee that will investigate alleged anomalous flood control projects will be inviting Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to shed light on the supposed involvement of lawmakers in illegal deals. Magalong has accused some lawmakers of getting kickbacks of as much as 30 to 40 percent of the budget for flood control and infrastructure projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who is also the chair of the Committee on Public Accounts, stated that they are considering inviting the former police officer once the committee is established. Ridon mentioned that they do not foresee any issues with inviting Mayor Magalong and emphasized the importance of having Magalong disclose specific details under oath regarding the 67 lawmakers and contractors he has previously mentioned.
Ridon further stated that Magalong needs to identify the lawmakers receiving kickbacks and provide relevant documents. He expressed the necessity of having Magalong make these disclosures under oath, highlighting the lack of names being mentioned despite the ongoing allegations.
Magalong, in an interview with news channel ANC on Aug. 12, described the anomalous flood control projects as widespread, organized, and syndicated. Ridon indicated that should a member of the House of Representatives be identified or involved, the panel would refer the case to a third party or the executive department to avoid conflicts of interest.
Ridon assured that any congressman named would have the opportunity to respond, but the tri-committee would recuse itself, ensuring transparency and preventing accusations of a cover-up during the hearings. The tri-committee, expected to form in the coming weeks, will include the public accounts, public works, and good government committees.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his State of the Nation Address on July 28, directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to provide a list of ongoing and completed flood control projects since the start of his term, three years ago.