AN assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Senate leadership to exercise restraint in making public remarks regarding the ongoing investigation into alleged multibillion-peso irregularities in flood control projects, saying it is best to let the investigation and the evidence speak for themselves.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos made the statement after Senate President Vicente Sotto III publicly expressed doubts over the Villar family’s alleged involvement in the flood control scandal, saying he believed they were being unfairly targeted.
The lawmaker stressed that public officials-especially those in top leadership positions-should avoid comments that might influence or preempt ongoing inquiries.
‘Let the investigation run its course. Any premature defense of the accused undermines the integrity of the process. If we want fairness, we should allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure [ICI] and the Ombudsman to do their jobs without interference,’ Santos added.
Santos said the call for restraint is rooted in the need to preserve public confidence in accountability mechanisms and to ensure that the process remains free from political bias or undue influence.
‘It’s not the role of the Senate President to clear anyone through the media. His job is to ensure that truth and accountability prevail. If he truly believes in fairness, he should support the investigation instead of casting doubt on it,’ Santos said.
‘This is not about politics-it’s about accountability. If there’s nothing to hide, then there’s nothing to fear. But no one, not even the most powerful political families, should be above scrutiny,’ the assistant majority floor leader added.
Legislators back MBC call
LAWMAKERS on Tuesday backed the Makati Business Club’s (MBC) call for due process and fairness in the ongoing probe into alleged flood control irregularities, stressing that the rule of law must prevail over speculation and political color.
The House Infrastructure Committee Overall Chairperson, Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro and Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said the statement of MBC Executive Director Apa Ongpin serves as a ‘timely reminder’ that justice must be grounded on facts and evidence, not rumor or pressure.
‘Mr. Ongpin’s statement is a timely reminder that the rule of law-not rumor-must prevail,’ Ridon said. ‘We welcome his call for due process because it ensures that investigations are based on facts, not politics.’
He emphasized that no one-whether in the executive, legislative, or private sector-should be beyond scrutiny when public funds are involved. At the same time, he underscored that everyone must be granted the right to be heard and to defend themselves in lawful proceedings.
‘Let the institutions work independently and let the truth come out through evidence,’ Ridon said. ‘That’s how justice is served-and how trust in government is rebuilt.’
Ortega, for his part, likewise supported Ongpin’s call, saying it upholds fairness and impartiality in the investigation being undertaken by the ICI.
‘We welcome Mr. Ongpin’s statement as a reminder that justice must never be selective. The process must be based on facts, not political color or pressure,’ Ortega, who represents La Union, said.
Ongpin said that like anyone else, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, deserves due process and a fair, independent investigation. He also stressed that investigators must act free from political interference and ensure all those accused are given the chance to defend themselves properly.