House to hold own flood control probe

The House tri-committee (tri-comm) is back in the 20th Congress, this time on a different mission.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

This new iteration will focus its inquiry into the implementation of anomalous infrastructure programs, particularly flood control projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other related agencies.

In the 19th Congress, tri-comm delved into the spread of fake news and misinformation in social media.

"TriCom will hereinafter be called the House Infra Comm," one of the co-chairmen in Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said in a Facebook post following the adoption of House Resolution (HR) No.145 during plenary session Wednesday night, Aug. 20.

The new tri-comm is composed of the House Committees on Public Accounts, on Good Government and Public Accountability, and on Public Works and Highways.

These panels are chaired by Ridon, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, and Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. HR No.145, which effectively reformed the tri-comm, was adopted amid snowballing allegations of corruption on these questionable flood control projects that involved lawmakers.

What's worse is that these anti-flood projects did not deliver when constituents needed them the most, particularly last month when successive typhoons hit the country and left a lot of areas under floodwater.

"Persons with personal knowledge of these activities shall be invited to blow the whistle, participate in future hearings, and expose conspiring contractors, government officials, employees, and private individuals involved in such activities," read part of the approved resolution.

But during the vote on Wednesday night, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima manifested her opposition to HR No145.