After recovering from an eye operation, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson is set to return as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, a post he vacated last October 6 due to colleagues’ disappointment over his handling of the flood control scandal probe.
Lacson confirmed Tuesday during Kapihan sa Senado that he and Senate President Vicente Sotto III are prepared for any potential leadership shake-up that might result from his reinstatement.
“Well, anything goes. Kung doon mapunta, nag-uusap na rin kami tungkol doon,” Lacson said. He added that Sotto had already talked to fellow senators. “I think, nakausap niya ‘yung mga kasamahan namin. Mukhang okay naman.”
The senator is eyeing to resume the flood control hearing on November 14, coinciding with the start of budget deliberations, pending approval from Senate Finance Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian.
Lacson said a “VIP witness” is set to testify. “Pinapa-finalize ko ‘yung affidavit within the week,” he shared, adding that he advised the witness to only name individuals supported by documents to avoid false accusations.
The panel is also seeking to reestablish contact with Orly Guteza, who previously claimed to have delivered large sums of money to former Speaker Martin Romualdez and ex-Congressman Zaldy Co.
“Walang balita kay Guteza… It was not my intention to spy on Senator Marcoleta,” Lacson clarified, addressing reports that he reviewed CCTV footage from the Senate building.
He noted that Guteza’s statements need corroboration, saying, “Pag alam kong ganun lang, isang salita lang, say so ng isang tao, mahirap tumayo. So kailangan natin mag-corroborate.”
Lacson said Romualdez and Co will be invited to the next hearing. If Co ignores the invitation again, the committee may request Interpol’s help to compel his appearance.
Meanwhile, detainees held in connection with the Senate probe may remain under Senate custody until the 20th Congress ends unless a court orders otherwise.
