Manila: The Senate has issued multiple subpoenas as it prepares to resume its investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, with lawmakers moving to compel testimonies and secure official records linked to the so-called 'Cabral files.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Vicente Sotto III sent out 12 subpoenas ad testificandum, mandating the appearance of individuals identified as resource persons in the ongoing inquiry. The individuals subpoenaed include Carleen Yap-Villa, Gerald Pacanan, Arjay Domasig, Orly Guteza, Maynard Ngu, John Paul Estrada, Mark Teksay, Gerald Opulencia, resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit commissioner Mario Lipana, former education undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

Sotto also issued a subpoena duces tecum to the DPWH, directing Secretary Vince Dizon to submit official documents relevant to the Senate inquiry. This move comes ahead of hearings by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, set to resume on Jan. 19, as confirmed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, the panel's chairperson.

Lacson stated that the committee is issuing a subpoena duces tecum to secure documents linked to records left by the late former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Lawmakers believe these documents are crucial to clarifying the alleged flood control anomalies. Lacson stressed the importance of obtaining documents directly from the DPWH to consolidate records and rely on verified, original sources.

Lacson also revealed that he received information suggesting that Bonoan submitted incorrect grid coordinates for thousands of flood control projects to Malaca±ang. This data was uploaded to the 'Sumbong sa Pangulo' website and allegedly resulted in inaccurate listings, including hundreds of supposed ghost projects. The DPWH is reportedly attempting to reconcile these inconsistencies by cross-checking records from its various systems and databases.

The committee will also seek clarification on reports involving the alleged purchase of a property in Makati City and claims that some witnesses, referred to as the 'BGC Boys,' may have recanted or are planning to recant their earlier testimonies. Further clarification will be sought from former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo regarding an alleged attempt to take him into custody and the purpose behind the move.