MANILA – Senator Erwin Tulfo said he supports the creation of a Philippine Independent Commission to investigate anomalous flood control projects, saying it would allow inquiries into both senators and congressmen without being limited by interparliamentary courtesy.

In an interview with GMA News’ Balitanghali, Tulfo explained that the Senate traditionally does not summon members of the House of Representatives, and vice versa.

“Hindi naman po talaga pinapadalhan ang mga mambabatas kasi po may tinatawag tayo na [inter]parliamentary courtesy. Kaya kung ako ang tatanungin, sang-ayon po ako and I’m really very eager and waiting na mabuo na po yung ginawa ni Pangulo na Philippine Independent Commission na mag-iimbestiga po sa lahat ng ito,” Tulfo said.

He noted that the commission would have subpoena powers and could summon both senators and congressmen, unlike congressional committees.

Tulfo also urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to begin filing cases against contractors and public works officials linked to alleged substandard or ghost projects.

“Doon pa lang po sa binigay ng Pangulo po na listahan ng mga labing lima na substandard ghost projects, doon pa lang po pwede na mag-take off ang imbestigasyon ng DOJ… the ball is in their hands,” he said.

The senator said documents gathered by his committee may also be turned over to the DOJ or the Ombudsman once approved by committee chairman Senator Dante Marcoleta.

Tulfo, however, expressed concern that the Immigration Lookout Bulletin issued against personalities linked to the anomalies would not be enough to stop them from leaving the country.

“Ang importante po ay yung hold departure order, HDO. Dahil pag may HDO po, talagang hindi ka pa palabasin ng Bureau of Immigration,” he said.

He acknowledged growing public anger over the controversy, stressing the need for accountability.

“Galit ang mga tao, hindi lang po sa contractor, hindi lang sa public works officials, pati po sa mga mambabatas… May iilan lang po ng mga tao na masama doon pero nadadamay po because doon sa ginawa ng iilan,” Tulfo said.

He warned that failure to address corruption could lead to unrest.

“Ika nga dapat may mangyari. Yun po ang inaantay ng taong bayan. May makulong, may managot at hindi lang po kontraktor kung sinong tamaan ay tamaan,” Tulfo added.