MANILA — The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will investigate allegedly substandard government infrastructure projects, including bridges, roads and other public works, Chairman Erwin Tulfo said.

Tulfo said the committee will look into projects that failed to meet construction standards and determine whether corruption was involved.

“Apart from the new names and issues connected to the flood control mess, we will also investigate substandard projects. Bridges, roads, and public works that clearly failed to meet standards. We will investigate them one by one,” Tulfo said in a radio interview.

He said the use of public funds for projects that are unfinished or below required standards could indicate irregularities.

“Obviously there’s corruption in there because you are given this certain amount of budget to construct these structures according to standards, but it’s unfinished or subpar,” he said.

The Blue Ribbon Committee is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned government agencies as it prepares to expand its investigation.

Tulfo cited the recent collapse of a retaining wall along the northbound lane of EDSA-Ayala in Makati City following a series of typhoons as an example of infrastructure that needs scrutiny.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier flagged the collapsed structure, saying the segment was constructed using light board material instead of reinforced concrete.

Tulfo said the committee would continue to investigate the flood control controversy as new leads and personalities emerge, while also examining other corruption issues involving government projects.

He said the flood control controversy is only one of several areas where the committee intends to pursue possible irregularities.

“Corruption has plagued this system for too long, and we are tackling it head-on, one issue at a time. We will be strict in gathering rock-solid evidence, and we will conduct this strictly by the book,” Tulfo said.