Sen. Erwin Tulfo said on Saturday, June 13, that Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is being eyed to lead a subcommittee that will handle the chamber’s investigation into the anomalous flood control projects.

In an interview on DWIZ, Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, explained that the creation of a subcommittee under Pangilinan still requires plenary approval, including the election of the subcommittee’s chair, vice chair, and members, before any formal hearings can proceed under the new setup.

The development comes after Tulfo was challenged by Lawyer Levi Baligod, counsel of the 18 "ex-bagmen," to inhibit from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's probe into the anomalous flood control projects. Tulfo said he is willing to step aside in favor of a subcommittee arrangement, with Pangilinan expected to take the lead once approved on the Senate floor.

“Magtatayo tayo ng subcommittee under kay Sen. Kiko Pangilinan na siya na mag-handle ng lahat ng flood control issues (We will establish a subcommittee under Senator Kiko Pangilinan, who will take charge of all flood control issues),” Tulfo said.

Tulfo also clarified that the committee will not avoid the issue, but he emphasized that procedures must come first.

The senator also addressed claims about 18 alleged "ex-bagmen” of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, saying they did not appear at the panel's previous meeting despite being invited.

In relation to the flood control probe, Tulfo noted that several senators are already under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, citing earlier submissions by Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who argued that some matters may not require a repeat investigation if they are already under review by another body.

Tulfo said the proposed subcommittee under Pangilinan would ensure continuity while addressing concerns over impartiality, but stressed that any new allegations involving different projects—such as ghost infrastructure projects in roads or bridges—could still be subject to fresh investigation by the Senate.

"Pero kung may bagong anomalya, eh di pa imbestigahan natin. Bagong kaso ito (If there's a new anomaly, then let's have it investigated. This will be a new case)," he said.