Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to reopen its investigation into the flood control controversy, saying congressional oversight remains necessary even as other government investigations continue.
In House Resolution No. 1169, Leviste said an active and independent Congress is essential to the country’s system of checks and balances, arguing that oversight of the Department of Public Works and Highways should not be left to the Executive branch alone, particularly amid allegations of corruption involving DPWH officials.
The resolution cited Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s earlier claim that documents from the late DPWH Undersecretary Sadain Cabral showed that “at least five Cabinet secretaries and some undersecretaries” allegedly had project allocations.
The House Committee on Infrastructure opened its investigation into the flood control controversy in August but suspended the inquiry in September to allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to conduct its own probe.
Leviste said the commission concluded its work on March 31, 2026, removing the basis for suspending the House investigation. He also noted that legislation to institutionalize a successor to the commission has yet to be approved.
The lawmaker added that ongoing cases before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan do not prevent Congress from conducting inquiries in aid of legislation to identify and address gaps in existing laws.
He also pointed out that the Senate continues to investigate flood control projects through hearings by its Blue Ribbon Committee.
