Sen. Erwin Tulfo Insists Contractors, Gov’t Officials Should Return Corrupted Money from Flood Control Projects
ERWIN TULFO – The newbie Senator seemingly lectured Department of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla during a Senate flood probe.
The flood control issue in the Philippines left countless Filipinos dismayed. Not only million but billions were allegedly corrupted by several officials of the government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Despite the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), the Senate continued its investigation on the issue.
The Senate flood probe is led by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which is now chaired by Sen. Ping Lacson who is also the Senate President Pro Tempore following the shakeup in the chamber. The committee’s vice chairman is Sen. Erwin Tulfo.
During the most recent Senate flood probe, the name of former Sen. Bong Revilla was dragged into the issue of budget insertions after DPWH Bulacan District Chief Engineer Henry Alcantara mentioned him in his testimony. Aside from Alcantara, the other resource persons at the hearing include Brice Hernandez and the Discaya couple.
Justice Sec. Boying Remulla was also present at the most recent Senate flood probe and Alcantara was told to sit beside him as he made his testimony. During the hearing, Sen. Erwin Tulfo seemingly lectured the DOJ Secretary with his claim about ‘bending’ the law to please the people.
Tulfo insisted that the contractors and the officials involved in the anomalous flood control projects should return the money of the people. Based on a livestream posted by UNTV, the Senator also claimed that what is talking about is not the law.
“Kaya nga po dito sa mga contractor, mga opisyal, isoli ninyo ang pera ng taong bayan. Hindi po batas ang pinag-uusapan, wala tayong pakialam sa batas na ‘yan,” he said.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo continued his remarks towards DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla. Based on the livestream, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Vice Chairman claimed that in order to please the Filipinos, there are allegedly times when you have to bend the law — to which the Justice Secretary affirmed.
“Sometimes you have to bend the law to be able to please the people. Mas mataas po ang taong bayan sa batas. Am I right, Sec. Remulla?” Tulfo said.
During the said Senate hearing, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta suggested inviting former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson to the next Senate flood probe. His proposal came after Singson claimed that controversial contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya allegedly have several projects in Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of Pres. Bongbong Marcos.