Analysts question the credibility of the revised Senate Blue Ribbon body

By Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel

THE reconstitution of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee under Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano may deepen the public’s negative perception of the chamber and undermine the credibility of future investigations, political analysts said.

“It could have been balanced and membership in the committee could have been chosen based on the level of neutrality and neutrality,” said Eric Daniel C. de Torres, professor of political science at the University of the East. BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger. “It could affect the credibility of the committee and be heavily criticized by the new majority.”

The Senate on May 20 elected Senator Pilar Juliana “Pia” S. Cayetano, sister of the Senate president, as the head of the Blue Ribbon Committee, which is handling Senate investigations into corruption and irregularities involving government officials, including the multibillion-peso flood control scandal. Senators Rodante D. Marcoleta and Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Estrada, Jr. were named as vice-chairmen.

Other members include Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go, Robinhood C. Padilla, Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero, Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, Camille A. Villar and Mark A. Villar.

Hansley A. Juliano, a political science professor at Ateneo de Manila University, said the body’s role in investigating official misconduct could be weakened by what he described as “controversial” appointments.

“Under the most dissident and loyal people, the office is clearly given out as a way to persecute political opponents of the Duterte-bound bloc,” he said via Messenger.

Amr Solon S. Sison, who teaches political science at Far Eastern University, said the organization’s formation can be viewed as a grand coalition effort to protect alliances.

“People, especially critics, can interpret the re-recording of the Blue Ribbon Committee as an effort by a powerful coalition to protect the interests of its partners in the Senate,” he said in a Messenger interview.

Two members of the committee – Mr. Estrada and Mr. Escudero – are linked to allegations related to the flood control dispute.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla on Tuesday said that charges of robbery will be filed against Mr. Estrada, possibly this week.

Mr. Estrada denied involvement, citing findings from the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office that showed there was no inclusion of flood control in the 2025 national budget.

Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, who is sitting as a member of the committee in his capacity as acting majority leader, is expected to face complaints of looting related to the flood control issue in the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-graft court, ordered Mr. Marcoleta on campaign contributions worth R75 million in 2025.

Mr. Juliano said the team could have gained more credibility through a cross-group program that included at least one member of the minority group.

“It would look more reliable if there was an intersection system,” he said.

Mr. Sison said another change in the leadership of the Senate is still possible given the small gap between the majority and the minority.

Since Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa is back in hiding amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the major party has arrested 12 members against 11 minority senators.

“This situation is more likely because of the current problems facing some senators in the majority bloc,” said Mr. Sison, adding that the trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio may add political pressure to the Senate leadership.