Baguio City Mayor Skips Senate Flood Probe Invitation
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong chose not to attend the Senate blue ribbon committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects, preferring instead to testify first before the House of Representatives. This decision has stirred debate among lawmakers over the proper venue for his testimony.
In a letter addressed to the Senate, Magalong explained his absence by stating he declined the invitation to avoid undermining any ongoing or future actions against accountable individuals. He assured the Senate he would make himself available once he has appeared before the House probe. This letter explicitly mentioned the Senate blue ribbon committee flood probe.
Senate Reaction to Magalong’s Absence
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Rodante Marcoleta expressed uncertainty about how to handle Magalong’s reasoning, noting that the House of Representatives may not have even invited the mayor yet. He said, “We cannot judge what the House of Representatives will do pero ang invitation natin malinaw na sana’y magpahayag siya rito, tutal tayo naman ay nag-invite na.”
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, however, considered Magalong’s letter a valid excuse for skipping the hearing. “Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the leadership of the House may just invite him in the near future,” he remarked.
Senator JV Ejercito referenced a recent interview where Magalong said he intends to “bring the battle to the battleground,” explaining his preference to attend the House hearing first. Marcoleta questioned this approach, emphasizing that it is not Magalong’s prerogative to decide whether the House or the Senate should handle the matter.
Marcoleta added, “I am not taking this against him, palagay ko hayaan na lang natin hatulan na lang siya ng tao kung dapat ba siyang nagpunta dito o hihintayin muna siya na siya ay imbitahan pa ng House.”
Other Key Absentees at the Senate Probe
Aside from Mayor Magalong, other significant figures also did not attend the Senate’s inquiry. Newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and former DPWH Undersecretary for regional operations Eugenio Pipo Jr. were among those absent.
Dizon cited pressing and urgent DPWH concerns as reasons for missing the hearing. Pipo, on the other hand, pointed to his resignation and replacement as justification for his absence. Senate officials accepted Dizon’s explanation but rejected Pipo’s, stressing that courtesy and responsibility required his presence despite stepping down.
Committee chair Marcoleta stated, “Even if you resigned, for courtesy you have to be present because you were invited for a hearing.”
No immediate sanctions were imposed on the absent officials, as the committee agreed to address the matter in upcoming sessions.
Senate Committee’s Firm Invitation
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee emphasized its serious intent in inviting all concerned parties, including Mayor Magalong, to provide clarity on the flood control issues under investigation. Marcoleta stressed that while they cannot control the House’s actions, their invitation remains clear and sincere.
He concluded, “If he won’t be invited, then it’s up to them whatever they want to happen, but as far as we are concerned, we are serious in inviting him to help us shed light on some issues that this committee is trying to deliberate on.”
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
