By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday declared that the Senate recognizes only the official proceedings of the Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Erwin Tulfo, stressing that any investigation conducted outside the committee’s authority has no legal standing and will not be recognized by the chamber.
Gatchalian stated confusion surrounding reports of a separate anti-corruption inquiry allegedly being organized outside the Senate’s officially constituted Blue Ribbon Committee.
“The Senate recognizes only one Blue Ribbon Committee, and that is the committee chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo,” Gatchalian said. “Any hearing or investigation conducted outside of it has no legal basis, no institutional authority, and will not be recognized by the Senate.”
The acting Senate president emphasized that allegations of corruption and the accountability of public officials are serious matters that must be addressed through legitimate and properly constituted forums.
He said investigations involving public funds and government accountability should be conducted under established Senate rules to ensure transparency, fairness, and due process.
Gatchalian likewise urged witnesses, resource persons, and individuals with relevant information to participate in the official hearings of the Blue Ribbon Committee rather than in unofficial proceedings.
“The Senate remains committed to conducting thorough investigations and pursuing accountability through the proper process and the proper forum,” he said.
The statement came after Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Tulfo issued a separate clarification that the committee has not scheduled any hearing for Tuesday, contradicting claims that an investigation would be held at a venue along EDSA.
The reported hearing was earlier announced by former congressman Mike Defensor, who claimed that a Blue Ribbon Committee proceeding would take place under a subcommittee reportedly led by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
As of Monday, however, no official Senate notice or committee advisory had been issued confirming such a hearing.
Gatchalian maintained that the Senate’s commitment to combating corruption remains unchanged, but stressed that all inquiries must be undertaken within the bounds of institutional authority and established legislative procedures.
“This is the Senate’s commitment to the Filipino people—to ensure accountability while upholding the integrity of our institutions,” he said.
ia/xf
