SEN. Erwin Tulfo said he is prepared to sign a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report on anomalous flood control projects, but only if it includes his proposed amendments.
Tulfo said deficiencies abound in the report's current form and cited a need for further scrutiny.
“I will sign with amendments,” Tulfo said in a radio interview. “My legislative inputs are lacking in the current version. Some provisions need to be added, and that will be discussed in caucus.” Tulfo noted that several senators, including Sen. Risa Hontiveros, are expected to interpellate once the report reaches the plenary. He added that the prevailing consensus among his colleagues is to approve the report subject to changes.
“The decision is to bring it to the floor and insert the amendments there,” he said.
Tulfo described the initial draft of the committee report as “deficient,” pointing to unclear wording and the exclusion of certain individuals he believes should have been named.
“Initially, the wordings seemed clumsy. Some people were not included. You ask, why is this person not there? Why was this excluded?” he said. “There are many questions. Signing with reservations does not sit well with our countrymen.” Tulfo emphasized that the Senate floor is the proper venue to clarify issues, especially regarding individuals whose involvement remains uncorroborated.
“What I meant by ‘unknown’ is missing information,” he said. “We need to talk about this on the floor so we can ask questions. People are watching.” For allegations unsupported by evidence, Tulfo said existing legal institutions should take over.
“If there is nothing out there, then report it to the Ombudsman. File charges if there is probable cause,” he said. “If the DOJ or Ombudsman finds probable cause, then file charges instead of saying ‘investigate further.'" Tulfo said Senate President Francis Escudero and Sen. Panfilo Lacson have expressed agreement that the report could be signed with amendments.
“If the majority of the majority says we have amendments, then yes,” Tulfo said. “We are not happy with the report that was first released. That’s why it should go to the floor.” Asked how many senators have signed the report, Tulfo said he did not have exact figures.
“I haven’t signed yet. I expect to affix my signature this week, with amendments,” he said.
