PH Senate Blue Ribbon Panel Set to Resume Flood Control Probe June 4 Amid Ouster of Key Witnesses

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano has officially revoked the invitation extended to 18 alleged former Marine personnel and their legal counsel to testify in the ongoing investigation into multibillion-peso government flood control projects.

The formal withdrawal was confirmed via email on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, just two days before the high-profile inquiry is scheduled to resume on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Sudden Cancellation

Atty. Levito Baligod, the legal representative for the ex-Marines, publicly shared screenshots of the electronic notification received from the Senate Blue Ribbon Oversight Office. The notice explicitly stated that the previous invitations issued to the 18 personnel and witness Bernard Tube were withdrawn upon the direct orders of Chairperson Cayetano.

No official reason for the sudden cancellation was provided in the brief electronic notice.

Crucial Testimony Blocked

The group of ex-servicemen was expected to provide critical testimony regarding systemic corruption within the government's flood control infrastructure program. The 18 individuals had previously prepared affidavits identifying alleged "bagmen" and were set to reveal details regarding suitcases of kickbacks delivered to high-ranking officials.

Senator Imee Marcos and several other lawmakers had strongly advocated for the group's appearance, positioning their testimonies as vital pieces of evidence to expose the widespread anomaly.

Growing Political Friction

The sudden disinvitation has intensified public scrutiny and political friction within the upper chamber. Leadership of the corruption probe recently shifted to Senator Pia Cayetano following a Senate leadership reorganization that installed her brother, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, as the new Senate President.

Critics and opposition lawmakers are raising questions regarding the impartiality of the upcoming June 4 hearing following the exclusion of these key witnesses.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to release a formal statement regarding how it plans to proceed with the flood control investigation without the testimonies of the 18 ex-Marines