Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The 18 individuals linked to former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co skipped Monday’s Senate blue ribbon committee meeting, choosing to stay at Sen. Robin Padilla’s office instead.
Despite being invited, the group did not appear before the panel led by Sen. Erwin Tulfo. They were inside the Senate building with their lawyer, Levito Baligod, but declined to attend the proceedings.
Tulfo said the move was a clear snub, noting the group monitored the session remotely, went live, and held a press briefing while the meeting was ongoing.
The panel had sought their testimony over allegations they delivered kickbacks from flood control projects amounting to P805 billion to certain officials and lawmakers.
Even with the hearing just steps away, the group chose not to face the committee.
Tulfo contrasted this with their earlier appearance in a separate gathering attended by allies of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, which he said did not follow Senate rules.
Monday’s session was only an initial meeting, as the committee has yet to be fully formed, according to Sen. Francis Pangilinan.
Several invited House lawmakers also skipped the meeting, while representatives from investigative agencies were present as resource persons.