By Fel V. Maragay

SENATOR Miriam Defensor Santiago said yesterday the move of the Senate to investigate the alleged collusive practices of three local engineering contractors blacklisted by the World Bank will have ?little legislative value? because it has been overtaken by events.

At the same time, Santiago, in a privilege speech, expressed dismay over the alleged maneuvering of her colleagues to transfer the probe of the case from her own committee to the Blue Ribbon committee, as well as the committee on public works and highways.

To dramatize her point on the ?unparliamentary conduct? of her colleagues in allegedly easing her out from the probe, Santiago walked out of the session hall at the end of her privilege speech.

She even threatened to resign as senator if her committee is bypassed from the probe. But her allegation was belied by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and other senators.

Santiago, chairman of the committee on economic affairs, pointed out that President Arroyo has already ordered the Trade Department to investigate the alleged anomaly.

She noted that the House of Representatives has started its own inquiry on the subject while the Office of the Ombudsman is already conducting preliminary investigation of the case.

The World Bank, through its Group Sanctions Board, said its probe showed that E.C. de Luna Construction, Cavite Ideal Construction and the CM Pancho Construction ?engaged in corrupt, collusive and other fraudulent practices? in connection with WB-funded road projects.

?The only value of a Senate hearing would likely be publicity for reelectionist politicians, and other candidates. There might be some political value in Senator [Panfilo] Lacson?s disclosure, if any, of the public official who allegedly received P70 million in bribes,? Santiago said.

She said if the Senate probe has little legislative value, she should not be insulted by removing it from her committee. She voiced suspicion that the three contractors may have a hand in persuading the senators to entrust the inquiry to other committees.

?Let me serve notice that if I continue to be treated without the respect that I am entitled to as a co-equal senator, even only because of my age and my experience, I shall be compelled to tender my resignation as senator of the Philippines, and to bring this issue directly to the Filipino people,? Santiago said.