Photo courtesy of Ping Lacson/Facebook.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday confirmed the existence of a draft report by the blue ribbon committee recommending plunder and other criminal charges against incumbent Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada; former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.; and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.
The draft was circulated to committee members on Feb. 3 and initially signed by six senators, including Juan Miguel Zubiri, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Kiko Pangilinan, Lacson said.
The draft report surfaced on social media on Tuesday, showing that the panel also seeks malversation and direct bribery charges against the same officials, along with former Caloocan Rep. Mary Mitzi “Mitch” Cajayon-Uy.
It also recommends that the lawmakers be investigated together with private contractors alleged to have delivered bribes, gifts, or other inducements tied to flood control projects.
Lacson clarified that the report remains unofficial and could change depending on discussions with his colleagues. “We need the signature of the majority of the members [of the blue ribbon panel] to make it a draft official committee report. In the absence of 11 signatories, there is no committee report,” he said.
He added that he would support filing charges if the report receives enough backing but would no longer sponsor it should senators request modifications.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Tuesday night that Senators Zubiri, Ejercito, and Gatchalian had withdrawn their signatures, requesting additional time to review the report, according to a letter addressed to Lacson.
Lacson stressed that the draft is still subject to debate and revision, and that no official filing of charges could occur until the committee report secures the required 11 signatures.