Philippines Senate holds flood control scandal hearing amid leadership fight

The Senate blue‑ribbon committee led by the Alan Peter Cayetano bloc resumed a hearing on the flood‑control scandal on 4 June 2026. Senator Pia Cayetano presided over the session, while Senator Erwin Tulfo was named the panel’s chair. Senators Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta also attended.

The hearing was marked by a confrontation at the Senate staircase when Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla appeared to block the entry of alleged former Marine soldiers escorted by Cayetano and Padilla. Remulla said he was securing the area and denied physically blocking the senators, while Cayetano asserted the secretary was preventing access to the chamber. The proceeding took place despite Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s suspension of regular Senate business pending a reorganization of committees, setting up a potential clash between the two factions.