MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Martin Romualdez and four other House of Representatives members were a no-show at the Senate investigation on the flood control fund scandal.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee under the "new" majority bloc, led the inquiry.
Those who also failed to attend the Tulfo-led BRC were Reps. Zia Alonto Adiong, Jose Alvarez, Jam Baronda, and Leila de Lima.
The BRC secretariat said House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy Garafil has sent a letter to the Senate "respectfully declining the invitation on the grounds of parliamentary courtesy."
At least 18 former soldiers, who Sen. Raffy Tulfo described as mere bodyguards, claimed that they delivered millions of pesos in suitcases to them.
They were present during the "other" BRC public hearing held on June 4 conducted by Sen. Pia Cayetano, who belonged to the "old" majority bloc.
The 18 former soldiers arrived accompanied by their counsel, Levito Baligod. But instead of going straight to session hall where the public hearing was ongoing, they opted to meet with Sen. Robinhood Padilla.
Padilla and Baligod held a press briefing instead of participating in the Tulfo-led BRC inquiry.