Sen. Erwin Tulfo warned fellow lawmakers that he would seek the arrest of any senator who conducts a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing without his authorization, insisting that he is the committee’s legitimate chairman.
In an interview, Tulfo said only the recognized chairperson has the authority to call and preside over hearings of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
The warning followed a separate committee hearing held on June 4 and led by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, and Rodante Marcoleta.
During the hearing, 18 former members of the Philippine Marines who identified themselves as former personnel of ex-congressman Zaldy Co testified before the panel.
The witnesses alleged that they had delivered large sums of money to several government officials.
Tulfo said he would no longer tolerate what he described as illegal committee proceedings.
“Kung sila, uulitin po nilang mag-hearing, subukan po nila… I will have you arrested. I promise,” Tulfo said.
He reiterated that he considers himself the legitimate chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee and warned against any future hearings conducted without his authority.
The dispute comes amid an ongoing leadership conflict in the Senate that has resulted in competing claims over committee leadership and jurisdiction.
