18 'ex-Marines' skip Gatchalian bloc’s Blue Ribbon hearing
Eighteen former Marines and their lawyer failed to appear at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing regarding a flood control corruption scandal. The hearing proceeded with various government officials and senators in attendance, while former House Speaker Martin Romualdez skipped the event citing parliamentary courtesy.
Why it matters
The absence of key witnesses in a high-profile corruption inquiry highlights ongoing political tensions and procedural challenges within the Philippine government.
About Us | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy | Member Agreement | Copyright Notice Copyright (c) 2026. Philstar Global Corp. All Rights Reserved My Profile Sign Out Subscribe Subscribe HOME HEADLINES OPINION NATION WORLD BUSINESS SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT LIFESTYLE EVENTS COUPONS OTHER SECTIONS X DUTERTE ICC TRIAL CORRUPTION SCANDAL FUEL PRICE TRACKER INFLUENCE OPERATIONS EXPLAINERS FACT CHECKS CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT VIDEOS NEWS COMMENTARIES Headlines 18 'ex-Marines' skip Gatchalian bloc's Blue Ribbon hearing Ian Laqui - Philstar.com June 8, 2026 | 9:59am Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, attend the inquiry into the corruption scandal connected to the flood control scheme on Monday, June 8, 2026. The STAR / Ryan Baldemor MANILA, Philippines (2nd update: 10:31 a.m.) - The 18 men described as former Marines and their lawyer, Levi Baligod, did not appear Monday, June 8, as the Gatchalian bloc-led Blue Ribbon Committee opened its hearing on the flood control controversy.
The article reports on a political event by listing attendees and absences without using loaded language or taking a side.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in