Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has raised concerns over the legality of a planned Senate subcommittee that would continue the investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

According to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Rodante Marcoleta is set to lead the subcommittee under the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and issue notices for the continuation of hearings.

However, Sotto questioned whether the creation of such a subcommittee was properly authorized, arguing that it may not be valid without approval from the Senate plenary.He also raised procedural concerns about a vice chairperson issuing notices for hearings in a committee that has not yet been formally organised.The Blue Ribbon Committee is currently chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano, with Senators Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada serving as vice chairpersons.The issue emerged amid efforts by the new Senate majority to revive hearings on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Senator Marcoleta defended the move, saying that some individuals were allegedly trying to prevent the continuation of the probe and that there were efforts to secure control of the Senate majority due to concerns about the investigation.The controversy also follows the suspension of earlier hearings on April 15 under then-Blue Ribbon chair Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Although Lacson later produced a partial committee report based on seven hearings, it failed to gain plenary approval, falling short of the required nine signatures.He has not yet issued a new statement on the matter.

Cayetano, for his part, assured the public that the revived hearings would be conducted fairly and aimed at uncovering the full truth, despite conflicting claims among officials regarding the existence of a mastermind and disagreements on who should be invited to testify.

Meanwhile, Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre questioned the timing of the renewed probe, suggesting it coincides with the expected impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and may be politically motivated.The issue continues to highlight divisions in the Senate over procedure, authority, and timing of the renewed investigation.