Congress insertions still prone to abuse — Drilon

The Senate inquiry into anomalies in flood control projects must result in stronger safeguards in the national budget, former Senate president Franklin Drilon said yesterday, as he warned that congressional insertions remain prone to abuse.

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"What our countrymen are waiting for is a result of this investigation. Imprison those responsible, and return the people's money," Drilon said in Filipino.

The former senator, who previously chaired the Senate finance committee, stressed that the probe is "in aid of legislation, not prosecution" and should focus on reforms that would prevent a repeat of the controversy.

Drilon suggested placing all projects outside the National Expenditure Program under "for later release," subject to stricter vetting before funds are disbursed.

"Budget amendments cannot be avoided in Congress," he said. "But insertions should not be released unless they are properly examined. That is one way to prevent this from happening again." Drilon lamented the "adversarial and divisive" tone of the debates, saying the Senate should concentrate on policy fixes instead of political bickering.

Asked if incumbent or former senators named in testimonies should attend hearings, he said: "That is their lookout. If they do not appear, the committee can always refer the matter to investigating agencies. This is not a criminal trial." Drilon recalled that he voluntarily appeared before a Blue Ribbon inquiry when the Iloilo Convention Center came under scrutiny, saying public officials must be prepared to face questions.

He also reminded senators to assess the credibility of witnesses carefully, warning that coached or false testimonies could undermine the process.