MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday warned the 18 alleged former Marines that skipping the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry into alleged flood control irregularities could lead to subpoenas and show-cause orders once the panel is fully constituted.

In a media report, it said that Hontiveros issued the statement during a consultative meeting chaired by Sen. Erwin Tulfo, saying the individuals should not ignore invitations from the committee.

“Inaasahan ko rin na i-imbitahan ng chair itong 18 ex-bodyguards sa hearing kapag fully constituted na yung committee, and dapat hindi nila baliwalain yung imbitasyon ng komite dahil pag ginawa pa nila yun magiging subject sila sa subpoena at show cause order, at higit pa, sa komite,” Hontiveros said.

The senator made the remarks even as the 18 individuals did not attend the consultative meeting, which was later suspended after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore Sarangani.

The group, who claim to be former Philippine Marine Corps personnel and allege involvement in delivering cash kickbacks, were present at the Senate but reportedly went to the office of Sen. Robin Padilla instead of joining the proceedings.

Their lawyer, Levito Baligod, said the group is willing to attend legislative inquiries but insisted that Sen. Erwin Tulfo should inhibit from the proceedings, claiming he is among those implicated in their allegations.

“Kasi sabi ko nga, ayaw naming i-legitimize na si Mr. Erwin Tulfo ang Blue Ribbon Committee [chairman], pero haharap kami kahit saang venue. Kahit saang venue, haharap kami,” Baligod said.

“Ang committee ay merong power of contempt. Ngayon, inaakusahan naming isa, si Erwin Tulfo. Sa tingin n’yo ba ay aamin siya? Hindi, di ba?” he added.

Last week, a separate Blue Ribbon Committee proceeding led by the bloc of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano also heard similar allegations from the same group, which implicated several officials, including Sen. Erwin Tulfo and Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Both senators have denied the accusations.