The Senate’s inquiry into alleged flood control irregularities is set to expand further after the Blue Ribbon Committee issued subpoenas to a dozen individuals linked to the projects under scrutiny.
Among those ordered to testify is resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, whose name has figured prominently in the investigation, according to Senate officials.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the subpoenas were released to compel attendance at the committee’s upcoming hearing next week.
Authorities have earlier said Co is currently outside the country, with his passport already revoked following the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The list of those summoned also includes former Department of Public Works and Highways officials, a Commission on Audit commissioner, former government aides, and private contractors believed to have played roles in the questioned projects.
Committee findings have pointed to an alleged network involving lawmakers, engineers, and contractors accused of manipulating flood control allocations through overpriced or non-existent works.
In a related development, former DPWH official Henry Alcantara, who testified before the panel and has since been admitted to the Witness Protection Program, remains under Senate custody.
Sotto said the Senate will determine its next actions when sessions resume, as the investigation continues to uncover new details.