Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumed its public hearing today, November 14, 2025, to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects nationwide. Members of the House of Representatives earlier implicated in testimonies, such as House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Cong. Eric Yap, were invited to attend the session. 

According to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the lawmakers opted not to appear “in order to avoid any possible prejudice to the ongoing investigation and eventual findings of the ICI,” stressing that they had already submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the Internal Committee on Investigation.

Rep. Zaldy Co was also expected to face the committee following allegations linking him to questionable flood control programs. But his counsel, Atty. Ruy Alberto S. Rondain wrote to the committee, saying Co could not attend as he remained under medical care. Rondain added that he feared any statement Co might issue “may, at best, preempt any defense he may set up.”

Aside from Co, the committee also noted several other absentees, such as Jonathan Quirante of Quirante Constructions, Eumir Villanueva of Topnotch Catalyst Builders, and Engr. Arjay Dumasig.

Some government officials also cited medical reasons for their absence, including DPWH NCR Regional Director Engr. Gerard Opulencia, South Manila District Engineer Manny Bulusan, and Commissioner Mario Lipana.

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